Money Owed

[Tolsty]

My husband lent £650 to a work colleague. They are both self-employed and work on a building site. The money was agreed to be repaid in the next wages. When this did not happen my husband approached him and was asked to text his co-worker his band details and the money would be transferred. This also did not happen. My husband texted him again and he replied by saying he was sorry and asked for my husband's bank details again.
This man has not been on site since (less than a week) and is not answering texts. My husband is starting to worry now and I was wondering if any of you could help us with the next step.

[sapelesam]

I think everybody will ask you, did he get anything in writing.

[saintpeter48]

Write him a letter, post it by 'signed for delivery' telling him that if he does not pay by a certain date then you will have no choice but to apply to the small claims court to recover your money, plus interest and any other expenses. The fee is only about 5%, but you get that back, the courts will give you advice and you can always get an imformation pack, which explains every step. Good luck.

[sapelesam]

Make sure your husband keeps all the text messages, they will be evidence. Does he have any witnesses.

[Flonska]

If, as it appears, your hubby's bank sortcode and account number have been given to a possible "stranger" you might want to ask him to check with the bank and advised them what has happened!

[Tolsty]

We don't have anything in writing apart from the texts which he will save. I think the letter is a good idea and we will definitely do that. Thankyou.

[Guilbert53]

NEVER lend money to people. I think you have learned that lesson!

[ummmm]

Agree with Guilbert. Never lend money. If anyone asks for money, we give it, not lend it. If we get it back, 9 times out of 10 we do, it's a bonus.

[Dodger666]

Polonius:

"Neither a borrower nor a lender be,
For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry".

Quote from Hamlet by William Shakespeare.