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Original poster

Have I been scammed?

19 replies

SMLSML · 26/07/2025 17:53

I had my daughter's party at a local baby and toddler play place, £150 in total with £50 deposit on top, returned after the event. At the end of the party the owners told me their company bank account was frozen as they've tried to start another business and it could take some time to be resolved as the bank were investigating. As we were having to tidy up and everything was a bit of a rush I didn't have time right then to question it. They said they'd send the £50 soon as the bank situation was resolved. This was now 2 weeks ago. I've chased twice now.

First response 'We are still waiting for them to unlock the account annoyingly... hoping it won't be much longer now .... _ has details ready to go as soon as he is able xx'
Second response
'Not yet I'm afraid... Dan said he will chase them again on Monday xx'
Third response sent 2 hours after the above
'Hi just so you know my bank manager rang yesterday he has been on holiday for 3 weeks he is on it an will get it sorted monday for me.
I will do it asap
Thanks for you patience.'

They've been around on the scene in our town for a couple of years now but is it legit that the bank can just freeze business accounts for this long and also have one bank manager? Am I naive? Just seems a little odd... Hoping for the best given how many people use them but seems a little strange

OP posts:
Enrichetta · 26/07/2025 17:55

I hope you paid by CC so report to them

Branster · 26/07/2025 17:55

Not unheard of. It could be for any reason (such as returned post even. The account may or may not become active again. Only the bank knows.

WonderingWanda · 26/07/2025 17:55

Banks can freeze acounts but surely if they are operating the business still they must be taking cash? Surely they could pay you cash. Have you actually been in there when they are open to ask for it loudly in front of other customers?

LIZS · 26/07/2025 18:14

I don’t think one manager being off would grind things to a halt. Presumably it is a large bank. Sounds like they may be in financial difficulty,

cyvguhb · 26/07/2025 18:19

LIZS · 26/07/2025 18:14

I don’t think one manager being off would grind things to a halt. Presumably it is a large bank. Sounds like they may be in financial difficulty,

Trying to get anything sorted with banks is a nightmare ime,the manager being unavailable isn't an instant red flag to me although obviously it could be a lie

Original poster
SMLSML · 26/07/2025 18:42

LIZS · 26/07/2025 18:14

I don’t think one manager being off would grind things to a halt. Presumably it is a large bank. Sounds like they may be in financial difficulty,

That's what I thought, surely someone else could just do it instead...

OP posts:
Original poster
SMLSML · 26/07/2025 18:43

WonderingWanda · 26/07/2025 17:55

Banks can freeze acounts but surely if they are operating the business still they must be taking cash? Surely they could pay you cash. Have you actually been in there when they are open to ask for it loudly in front of other customers?

They don't take cash in person at the play centre...

OP posts:
Original poster
SMLSML · 26/07/2025 18:43

Enrichetta · 26/07/2025 17:55

I hope you paid by CC so report to them

Unfortunately we didn't 🥺

OP posts:
Original poster
SMLSML · 26/07/2025 18:44

cyvguhb · 26/07/2025 18:19

Trying to get anything sorted with banks is a nightmare ime,the manager being unavailable isn't an instant red flag to me although obviously it could be a lie

Show quote history

I did wonder but they're still operating so able to take money

OP posts:
FullOfMomsense · 26/07/2025 19:54

Tell then you need it by x date and they need to sort it. It's only £50, the owner could bank transfer it to you i'm sure.

Original poster
SMLSML · 30/07/2025 14:41

Need more advice on this as I've still not had the money, what would you do? Latest correspondence attached, they said I'd have it Monday... Honestly don't think there's anything else I can do is there? They're still open and taking payments so doesn't add up

Have I been scammed?
OP posts:
CoastalCalm · 30/07/2025 14:52

No one has a bank manager these days - tell them or refund or you’ll be posting on time wasters and scammers on Facebook and contacting bank

PinPini · 30/07/2025 14:55

I would say I wanted the money in 48 hours or you are taking it on social media
This isnt your problem, its theirs. Somebody in the company should reimburse you now and get it back when the bank is unfroze (if you believe that)

WhatToDo1234567 · 30/07/2025 15:03

I’ve had a business account I used for freelancing frozen before - it took something like 7 weeks to be investigated and unfrozen! I never got a straight answer around why either. During that time I could accept payments, but couldn’t move any money out of my account. So I imagine what they’re saying is plausible, just inconvenient.

They'll be making payments to other suppliers, probably via their personal accounts (this is what I had to do - it’s a PITA because it becomes messy with tax/accounts/tracking, but needs doing) ~ I’d reply firmly and say you expect a refund by X date or you’ll need to escalate with your bank and leave honest reviews. Might be worth checking if your bank will do anything even if not a CC - mine would.

BeltaLodaLife · 30/07/2025 15:07

If they are still operating then they are still paying business expenses and staff.

Have you asked them how they are able to pay their business expenses and staff, and suggest they pay you from whatever funds they are using for that?

Go down and speak to them.

LIZS · 30/07/2025 15:14

You are being too nice. Ask them when you will receive it and of they miss again send a formal letter.

Original poster
SMLSML · 30/07/2025 19:32

Thank you all, I threatened to go on socials and ask if other people were having issues and low and behold I've now got the money! Thanks for all the advice!

OP posts:
GlobalTravellerbutespeciallyBognor · 01/02/2026 05:53

SMLSML · 30/07/2025 19:32

Thank you all, I threatened to go on socials and ask if other people were having issues and low and behold I've now got the money! Thanks for all the advice!

Ha! This is great news (and appalling at the same time). Being nice was getting you nowhere. So disillusioning but glad you have your money.

liveforsummer · 01/02/2026 07:04

Was there a reason the deposit wasn’t just used as part of the final payment? That seems odd to me. I’ve done a lot of kids parties over the years I’m different venues and that has always been the case. Glad it’s resolved though

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