Travel agent - taken money but not paid hotel.

[chili1]

Evening,

This was relayed to me today by my mother:

Independent travel agent was paid £3k two months ago for a UK weekend break for 10 people (paid cash). Received phone call from hotel yesterday asking to pay for the rooms. Spoke to travel agent owner today who has stated that he has cash flow problems and cannot refund the payment, although he acknowledges receipt of payment.
Before I beat him to death with his own shoe for ripping off 10 OAP's, who should I contact regarding this? Would trading standards be interested?

Cheers.

[chili1]

JPJPJP said:

ABTA

ATOL

Thank, I'm not sure if he is a paid up member of either. I'll check when I have a chat with him tomorrow.

[chili1]

Morning,

Thanks for the replies. Travel agent has been used many times over a number of years without any problems. I can only assume that cash was used due to trust in the agent.
I've managed to find his home address and another business address, so I'll be talking to him later on today. He has another business that has just started up, so i'm assuming cash has gone there.

It does sound as if the legal route is the only option, but whether they ever see the money is another question.

Cheers.

[chili1]

Just to bring closure to this thread. I managed to track him down yesterday. After a short chat and an accompanied visit to his bank, all money has been refunded.