East Sussex haulier stung by offshore loan • An East
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Sussex haulier has refused to pay £1,400 to a man he believes fronts the rogue finance company in Falkirk which has been ripping off hauliers.
The haulier says it appears to be the same company CM has previously warned readers about when the front-man called himself John Smith. It offered non-status finance deals from offshore accounts. The unnamed haulier wanted £7,000 to spend on a truck, but was told he had to pay an initial 22% deposit up front. John Smith told him he could secure the money from friends in Saudi Arabia.
After becoming uneasy, he pulled out of the deal and now wants to warn other hauliers.
A spokesman for bona-fide finance firm Avelease says offshore finance is not suitable for the haulage industry. But he adds that hauliers often get desperate for quick cash to start up contracts and take unwise risks. He advises hauliers to check prospective lenders' Consumer Credit Licences.
111 The Essex haulier who feared he had been stung for £1,000 by what would appear to be the same Falkirk company (CM 23-29 April) has still not received any money.