sagaris99
Prominent Member
Hi all
Moral dilemma here - keeping details vague in case I've got it wrong, sorry for the length of post, but context is needed
I'm a member of a Facebook group for a specific car enthusiasts/owners (an owner of one myself).
Person in question posted on the group this morning (after joining this morning too) advertising a road trip to France in March 21, with track day. £399, includes track day, eurotunnel and accommodation, £99 deposit now, balance in Jan. 50 places vailable, apparently 42 have gone.
Naturally this caught my attention, so I thought I'd ask for details. He provided website details (Organised events and trips) but I can't see any details/names/addresses anywhere that give any feeling of trust.
Deposit can be paid to a BACS account now, and when I pushed if there was a CC option he sent me a link to a 'swoofee' page (a bit like Paypal Go/iZettle but online). I searched high and low for any official backing/protection, as I know that you lose protection when using agents like SagePay. Phoned my CC provider who said I would be covered, but seeing as the 'service/good' wouldn't be delivered/not fulfilled for 6 months, I'm out of chargeback timeframe.
£99 is still a large value of money, and without further details (proof of bookings etc) in January I would probably bail out of paying the balance - regardless, it made me uncomfortable enough so decide against it.
Here's where it get's interesting
Searched his name + where he lives (from facebook) on Google, and a number of results show for 2018, where local papers report a man of the same name and place (same road as currently on 192) was jailed that year for fraud of £100k - convincing people to invest in trade in car buying schemes some at £5k, £10k, £60k, while working at a variety of car dealers. The images of the articles look pretty damn similar to Facebook profile images at the time, there is a noticeable gap in his Facebook posting history from early '18 until mid '19. His LinkedIn profile suggests he has worked at a variety of dealers, and has a keen interest in cycling - supported by his Facebook. Also on his LinkedIn is a post from 2016 advertising a great investment opportunity, email for details, 15% ROI.
I realise I've gone way overboard on the research/stalking side (skills I've developed from past jobs in background referencing and checks), and I'm willing to admit I've either got the wrong guy, or he may be trying to go straight - people deserve a chance to reform I suppose.
My concern is that it looks too good to be true, and it's an easy way to make £5k without much exposure.
My mind is made up that it's the same guy, and I suspect it isn't legitimate. My moral dilemma is whether I stay quiet (he may be honest, not the same guy, or it involves me in something I want no part of), or what I do about it - who I speak to....... My gut tells me I have an obligation to do something, my head says say nothing..... Thoughts?
Cheers
Moral dilemma here - keeping details vague in case I've got it wrong, sorry for the length of post, but context is needed
I'm a member of a Facebook group for a specific car enthusiasts/owners (an owner of one myself).
Person in question posted on the group this morning (after joining this morning too) advertising a road trip to France in March 21, with track day. £399, includes track day, eurotunnel and accommodation, £99 deposit now, balance in Jan. 50 places vailable, apparently 42 have gone.
Naturally this caught my attention, so I thought I'd ask for details. He provided website details (Organised events and trips) but I can't see any details/names/addresses anywhere that give any feeling of trust.
Deposit can be paid to a BACS account now, and when I pushed if there was a CC option he sent me a link to a 'swoofee' page (a bit like Paypal Go/iZettle but online). I searched high and low for any official backing/protection, as I know that you lose protection when using agents like SagePay. Phoned my CC provider who said I would be covered, but seeing as the 'service/good' wouldn't be delivered/not fulfilled for 6 months, I'm out of chargeback timeframe.
£99 is still a large value of money, and without further details (proof of bookings etc) in January I would probably bail out of paying the balance - regardless, it made me uncomfortable enough so decide against it.
Here's where it get's interesting
Searched his name + where he lives (from facebook) on Google, and a number of results show for 2018, where local papers report a man of the same name and place (same road as currently on 192) was jailed that year for fraud of £100k - convincing people to invest in trade in car buying schemes some at £5k, £10k, £60k, while working at a variety of car dealers. The images of the articles look pretty damn similar to Facebook profile images at the time, there is a noticeable gap in his Facebook posting history from early '18 until mid '19. His LinkedIn profile suggests he has worked at a variety of dealers, and has a keen interest in cycling - supported by his Facebook. Also on his LinkedIn is a post from 2016 advertising a great investment opportunity, email for details, 15% ROI.
I realise I've gone way overboard on the research/stalking side (skills I've developed from past jobs in background referencing and checks), and I'm willing to admit I've either got the wrong guy, or he may be trying to go straight - people deserve a chance to reform I suppose.
My concern is that it looks too good to be true, and it's an easy way to make £5k without much exposure.
My mind is made up that it's the same guy, and I suspect it isn't legitimate. My moral dilemma is whether I stay quiet (he may be honest, not the same guy, or it involves me in something I want no part of), or what I do about it - who I speak to....... My gut tells me I have an obligation to do something, my head says say nothing..... Thoughts?
Cheers