Track Day Scam?
Discussion
Hi All
I'll have to keep this vague so it doesn't get deleted, but I could do with some help from the collective.
It was my birthday in mid May, and whilst I was enjoying a day off from work I noticed a good deal online for a track day experience. I've done the 'crappy' ones before, and I've done Palmersport, and this seemed to be somewhere in the middle. It was for a full day with an ARDS instructor, in what appeared to be a very nice car, at my local track. And it was half price.
I exchanged a few messages online with the organiser (via Facebook Messenger) and he seemed genuine and knowledgeable. So I paid my money and agreed a date for around six weeks time from early May (mid-June).
On the day before the event I made contact to ask for details. I had been told that I'd receive a briefing video etc, and nothing had arrived. The organiser replied almost immediately with a "Oh, did you not get my other email?" response.
Apparently, the car was broken so the track day would be delayed until a date to be confirmed. On email, the chap was quite engaged and went in to some detail around what the problem with the car was and he was very apologetic and offered to re-arrange the day and compensate me further, which I agreed to.
That was over a month ago and I've not heard anything since.
Few facts:
- they have a website
- they have a phone number (goes to VM)
- I've got the guys mobile number - constantly goes to VM - I left him a message last week
- he operates as a registered sole trader with a registered address
- I've spoken to a different track where he has an event organised in the future and they are aware of him
- I know of two other people that have paid and he's gone silent on them
- I have raised it with my bank but haven't heard anything yet.
I've heard a claim that they've all got COVID and had to cancel everything. I don't buy that, and it doesn't stop you replying to an email unless they are all literally on death's door. Obviously I hope they're not.
What do you reckon? I think they've just been playing at running a business, with good intentions, then perhaps seen the money come in for very little effort and decided to make a run for the hills.
I'll have to keep this vague so it doesn't get deleted, but I could do with some help from the collective.
It was my birthday in mid May, and whilst I was enjoying a day off from work I noticed a good deal online for a track day experience. I've done the 'crappy' ones before, and I've done Palmersport, and this seemed to be somewhere in the middle. It was for a full day with an ARDS instructor, in what appeared to be a very nice car, at my local track. And it was half price.
I exchanged a few messages online with the organiser (via Facebook Messenger) and he seemed genuine and knowledgeable. So I paid my money and agreed a date for around six weeks time from early May (mid-June).
On the day before the event I made contact to ask for details. I had been told that I'd receive a briefing video etc, and nothing had arrived. The organiser replied almost immediately with a "Oh, did you not get my other email?" response.
Apparently, the car was broken so the track day would be delayed until a date to be confirmed. On email, the chap was quite engaged and went in to some detail around what the problem with the car was and he was very apologetic and offered to re-arrange the day and compensate me further, which I agreed to.
That was over a month ago and I've not heard anything since.
Few facts:
- they have a website
- they have a phone number (goes to VM)
- I've got the guys mobile number - constantly goes to VM - I left him a message last week
- he operates as a registered sole trader with a registered address
- I've spoken to a different track where he has an event organised in the future and they are aware of him
- I know of two other people that have paid and he's gone silent on them
- I have raised it with my bank but haven't heard anything yet.
I've heard a claim that they've all got COVID and had to cancel everything. I don't buy that, and it doesn't stop you replying to an email unless they are all literally on death's door. Obviously I hope they're not.
What do you reckon? I think they've just been playing at running a business, with good intentions, then perhaps seen the money come in for very little effort and decided to make a run for the hills.
Funnily enough in a very similar situation, but for a much more expensive item via a 3rd party website. Lots of good communications all the way until about a month ago. First delay caused by poor materials, second delay caused by covid.
Now no communication for 2 weeks since the covid break. The seller no longer sells on the 3rd party site.
Now no communication for 2 weeks since the covid break. The seller no longer sells on the 3rd party site.
Puggit said:
Funnily enough in a very similar situation, but for a much more expensive item via a 3rd party website. Lots of good communications all the way until about a month ago. First delay caused by poor materials, second delay caused by covid.
Now no communication for 2 weeks since the covid break. The seller no longer sells on the 3rd party site.
Frustrating. How long are you going to give it before starting proceedings to get your money back?Now no communication for 2 weeks since the covid break. The seller no longer sells on the 3rd party site.
Did you pay by credit card?
If so
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethi...
"If you paid with a credit card, you should ask for your money back using Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act – as long as you paid more than £100 and no more than £30,000."
If so
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethi...
"If you paid with a credit card, you should ask for your money back using Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act – as long as you paid more than £100 and no more than £30,000."
alfaspecial said:
Did you pay by credit card?
If so
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethi...
"If you paid with a credit card, you should ask for your money back using Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act – as long as you paid more than £100 and no more than £30,000."
Sadly not. I have raised it with my bank though anyway.If so
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethi...
"If you paid with a credit card, you should ask for your money back using Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act – as long as you paid more than £100 and no more than £30,000."
SiH said:
Is it worth getting a friend to make an enquiry as a prospective new customer. It might give you an idea as to whether they're still happy to take money or if they really have stopped all communications with the outside world.
Exactly this, I’ve caught so many people out this way, life’s to short so at least I knew I was getting shafted or notI reckon toy town business. Sold it cheap. Now busy with other things. Cba to deal with customers for little to no profit so just dragging it on waiting for the next lull in whatever he is doing.. . On top of all that it's school holidays and pingageddon at the moment.
Just do your best to chalk it up to experience and get your money back. I would not bother with doing the actual day.
Just do your best to chalk it up to experience and get your money back. I would not bother with doing the actual day.
ArsE82 said:
Frustrating. How long are you going to give it before starting proceedings to get your money back?
Have raised a case with the 3rd party website this morning. But they just act as an intermediary. In 3 days they will start to investigate if the seller hasn't responded.We used our Amex instead of paypal to pay - so I believe that should protect us.
48k said:
Does your local track have a website? If so, is it showing an event being held on the day in question? Is it worth a quick phone call to them to see if they will at least confirm someone has hired the venue that day ?
Yep - that's how I got his mobile number. If I don't get my money back before that date I'll be attending the track.P-Jay said:
I'm not saying this is, but there was a spate of dodgy FB events last summer.
Mostly drive-in Cinemas, Balloon Festivals and the like. Hundreds of punters paid £20 for a drive-in showing of Dirty Dancing or whatever only for the event to disappear.
Some higher level scams too - some "individuals" really can find "opportunity" in just about anything:Mostly drive-in Cinemas, Balloon Festivals and the like. Hundreds of punters paid £20 for a drive-in showing of Dirty Dancing or whatever only for the event to disappear.
https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/things-to-do/the-drive-i...
I think the "it was half price" might be a give away.
Track day with additional driver, around £250, any self respecting, decent ARDS would need at very minimum £300, but usually noticeably more plus the use of a car, which with the best will in the world, even for a old MX-5 you would want £400 for. Travel, transport and everything else on top. So if you were not paying around £1,000 I think you have been ripped.
There has been a situation recently where someone was offering such a service, but was not qualified to do so and was advised not to continue.
Track day with additional driver, around £250, any self respecting, decent ARDS would need at very minimum £300, but usually noticeably more plus the use of a car, which with the best will in the world, even for a old MX-5 you would want £400 for. Travel, transport and everything else on top. So if you were not paying around £1,000 I think you have been ripped.
There has been a situation recently where someone was offering such a service, but was not qualified to do so and was advised not to continue.
Nickjd said:
I think the "it was half price" might be a give away.
Track day with additional driver, around £250, any self respecting, decent ARDS would need at very minimum £300, but usually noticeably more plus the use of a car, which with the best will in the world, even for a old MX-5 you would want £400 for. Travel, transport and everything else on top. So if you were not paying around £1,000 I think you have been ripped.
There has been a situation recently where someone was offering such a service, but was not qualified to do so and was advised not to continue.
It was offered at £1000, discounted to £500. Clearly too good to be true!Track day with additional driver, around £250, any self respecting, decent ARDS would need at very minimum £300, but usually noticeably more plus the use of a car, which with the best will in the world, even for a old MX-5 you would want £400 for. Travel, transport and everything else on top. So if you were not paying around £1,000 I think you have been ripped.
There has been a situation recently where someone was offering such a service, but was not qualified to do so and was advised not to continue.
I sent a Whatsapp to the guy yesterday. Two ticks, so it's been delivered to a powered on device, but it's not been 'read' (although messages can be previewed without being marked as read).
I'm considering a small claims court route but not sure the addresses to serve to are valid.
ArsE82 said:
Nickjd said:
I think the "it was half price" might be a give away.
Track day with additional driver, around £250, any self respecting, decent ARDS would need at very minimum £300, but usually noticeably more plus the use of a car, which with the best will in the world, even for a old MX-5 you would want £400 for. Travel, transport and everything else on top. So if you were not paying around £1,000 I think you have been ripped.
There has been a situation recently where someone was offering such a service, but was not qualified to do so and was advised not to continue.
It was offered at £1000, discounted to £500. Clearly too good to be true!Track day with additional driver, around £250, any self respecting, decent ARDS would need at very minimum £300, but usually noticeably more plus the use of a car, which with the best will in the world, even for a old MX-5 you would want £400 for. Travel, transport and everything else on top. So if you were not paying around £1,000 I think you have been ripped.
There has been a situation recently where someone was offering such a service, but was not qualified to do so and was advised not to continue.
I sent a Whatsapp to the guy yesterday. Two ticks, so it's been delivered to a powered on device, but it's not been 'read' (although messages can be previewed without being marked as read).
I'm considering a small claims court route but not sure the addresses to serve to are valid.
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