Ripped off by a private detective

[Konchita]

Hello, would be grateful if somebody could help me with the following predicament.
I requested a service from a private detective and paid £750 deposit. No service ever was provided, the agent would fob me off under various pretexts forever before disappearing completely.

The problem I have is this - when paying the aforementioned deposit, he provided a hand written receipt (also he tried to avoid giving any receipt at all and also insisted on cash payment) signed with his name: so and so of Some limited company. In further communication by email he said he's not connected with that ltd and if I want anything I should employ them. Not even a report was provided ever. I have sent various requests to arrive to a solution - all ignored. Next step obviously letter before action.

I am still in shock something like this could happen, but I guess one lives and learns.

My question is this - can I take to small claims court that particular person, or do I have to issue proceedings against that limited company? Thanks.

[Collaborate]

Try taking them both to court as co-defendants. One of them will be able to prove it's not them.

[Konchita]

Thanks, didn't think that was possible, but something has to be done so will try that.

[STIDW]

Actually it is a good thing someone that unscrupulous didn't provide the service. Recently someone was hauled through the courts along with the PI at considerable expense and then a few years ago there was the case of the American banking heir Matthew Mellon narrowly escaping after charges of conspiring to hack into his former wife's accounts were made.

I think the lesson for everyone to learn is to minimise the risk of being ripped off and falling foul of the law use only those PI who are registered members of the Association of British Investigators and instruct them through a solicitor.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing and I hope you get your money back.