The Mysterious Case of the Disappearing Deposit.

[Andyvon]

In March, my wife and I found a mobile home advertised for rent on the internet. We contacted the owner by email initially, and then we chatted twice on the phone (a land line). We booked the caravan for the last two weeks of June and the lady asked for a 50 pounds deposit. She said we could pay the balance in cash when we arrived at the start of the holiday. We sent the deposit by cheque made out in the owner's name (not cash). The lady immediately replied on headed paper and included a receipt. We then agreed to ring her a few days before travelling just to finalise arrangements. However, when I rang the lady today (Monday 11th) I found her phone disconnected. BT told me that the lady was no longer a customer of theirs and Directory Enquiries said they had no record of her name at that address - even though that's where the cheque was sent. I then rang the caravan park but the owners said they had never heard of her, even though they know all their owners However, they were quite evasive. I have several photographs of the caravan from the internet but they said they have too many to be able to recognise it - even though they said they know all the owners! They told me I had probably been taken for a ride but when I mentioned the police, they strongly dissuaded me three times. I don't think this is a scam as I initially thought. It's quite elaborate and 50 pounds won't buy much at Tescos. I think the lady took our booking in March and then decided not to continue with hiring the caravan out. She just didn't tell us or return our deposit. I also think the park owners know exactly who she is and that's why they are evasive. Is there anything I can do about the deposit anyone? We live 120 miles from Winchelsea. I know 50 pounds isn't much, but it's made us feel sick and we were very much looking forward to the break. .

[Ethel]

You know the address you sent the cheque to.

Send a letter by recorded delivery asking for an explanation and a refund. Think about compensation too, for breach of contract and the resulting disappointment and loss of holiday. If you want compensation, be reasonable and you will be more likely to succeed.

State you expect the monies within 14 days.

That is the first step. I hope that will be the end of it.

Good luck!

[Andyvon]

Thanks Ethel, I'm doing that right now. I think I will ask for some compensation - perhaps 100 pounds. Its not much and I don't expect to receive it but it might produce the deposit by itself.

[Ethel]

I was thinking �100 plus the deposit. :)

[Andyvon]

I have now sent the letter to this lady and it has gone recorded delivery. I also sent another letter to the park owners just 'advising them as a courtesy' of the details and the fact they might be involved in some way in the future. They do know the caravan owner and will probably put some pressure on her as they wouldn't want the publicity.

I am also a member of Which? Magazine and Holiday Which and I am speaking to their legal advisors tomorrow. Its the sort of thing featured quite often.

Thanks Ethel!