I must admit I did a very stupid thing by paying a tradesman a very significant deposit for a ducted heating installation without obtaining a formal quote. I cannot believe I did it, but it’s done and now I have to think how to recover the money. I dealt with the guy before for work around our house and trusted him. This time we had to do an install for IP under SMSF and I needed ABN and receipts. He lied to me he had one and requested nearly 80% of deposit to start quickly promising to send a formal quote with ABN same evening. I electronically transferred money just to find the next day his company was not registered any longer. I contacted not to go ahead with any purchases / installs till the quote gets send. The person changed completely, tried to avoid me and played fool. I sent a cancellation note following by the call and asked for deposit to be returned. Lodged a ‘disputed transaction’ with the bank, however I do not expect much from there.
What the next step should be – solicitor, debt collector? Does it go to the court? How long does it take and how much cost?
What if the person does not return money even after that – do we loose even more on solicitor / court charges?
I would appreciate any advice on the matter.
What the next step should be – solicitor, debt collector? Does it go to the court? How long does it take and how much cost?
What if the person does not return money even after that – do we loose even more on solicitor / court charges?
I would appreciate any advice on the matter.