Any law broken civil or criminal by seller?

[searchlight]

Bought and paid for a car from a private seller. Arranged to pick it up but then seller contacts me to say that its developed a fault and needs some attention. Offers me a reduction or refund and I chose a refund. Cheque bounces and can't make contact with seller. Go round to sellers house but get no answer. No sign of car at front of premises (no garage) Follow public footpath to rear of house still no sign of car. Could this be a case of possible theft or deception i.e criminal law or an example of a civil dispute beween two parties?

[scotman]

Seems like fraud to me. Do you have any receipt or paperwork for your original payment?

[wakeover]

You obviously have contacted the Police?

[Maydup]

How awful for you - report it to the police in the morning as it sound like a set up to me. Whatever the point of law, you should begin with a police record of the matter.

[pink-kittens]

Why on earth did you accept a cheque!? The only reason to have done that was if it were your own you paid with
Do you have any trace of the money you paid to him?
Did you go into this seller's house? I doubt he even lives there if you didn't

[vivandorron]

It certainly is a matter to be reported to the police.

Did you pay by cheque.? If so then notify your bank because your cheque will have to be paid into an account which your bank should be able to trace and, unless the money has already been taken from your account, a stop can be placed upon the cheque.

Ron.

[maclarencat]

How did you pay for the car? Did you go to the house to pay or post a cheque? If he really lives at the address you have a sure fire case against him in a civil court for the bounced cheque. I believe that you would take him to court for the bounced cheque not the car and as you will have the returned cheque that is 100% proof of the debt owed to you.

[cassa333]

Did you go in the house when you viewed the car?

nt them you were had the moment you showed up!

Go to the police NOW.

[factor-fiction]

This is a common fraud although I've not heard of it with cars before.
How did you pay for the car?
Are you sure the seller lived at that address?

[JimmyCooper]

Go to the Police but the best of luck.

They will feign interest and you will never hear anything again because they will say its a civil matter and won't do anything else

[vivandorron]

I have always understood that fraud involving money is a Criminal offence.

Ron.

[searchlight]

Have received refund since posting question. Thanks for all answers.

[vivandorron]

Brilliant........Ron.