Latest news with #FraudAct2006
South Wales Argus
10-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Newport victim says builder was 'professional' before scam
The owner of a landscape gardening company has been sentenced after being found guilty of defrauding customers. Ian Wheeler of Gwent County Construction Ltd was charged for taking up to £26,620 from seven customers for work he failed to complete or carried out to a poor standard. On Monday, July 7, Mr Wheeler appeared at Cardiff Crown Court charged with one offence under the Fraud Act 2006 and six offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, following multiple complaints to Torfaen Council's Trading Standards Team. Siobhan Anderson and her husband, from Newport, paid Mr Wheeler a £4,000 deposit for him to transform their front garden into a driveway. Speaking after the case, Siobhan said: 'To begin with, Ian seemed professional. He gave us a receipt which included a start date about a month into the future. No material was delivered as time passed, and the start date got closer. 'I can remember eight months after paying the deposit Ian messaged via my husband asking us what drainage we wanted. I thought it was weird because at this point, I had realised he wasn't going to carry out the work. 'We released money from a further advance on our mortgage to have the job completed, which we will pay interest on for a long time. 'We struggle daily with parking and unfortunately don't have the financial resources to be able to have anyone else to do the works.' He received a six-month suspended sentence for consumer protection offences and a three-month suspended sentence for the fraud charge, both suspended for 15 months. He was also ordered to complete 120 hours of community service and attend a rehabilitation program. A Compensation Order of £24,920 was issued, to be repaid at £800 per month over 2 years and 8 months and failure to pay may result in imprisonment. The court heard Mr Wheeler, from Pontypool, found customers on Facebook and asked them to pay a 50 percent deposit up front. In three cases no work was carried out, with a range of excuses being given, including family emergencies, health problems, and issues with his van. In four cases, minimal work was carried out to a poor standard. At one victim's property, Mr Wheeler built a wall that fell down within weeks of being constructed. Daniel Morelli, Head of Public Protection and Environment, said: "This sentence sends a clear message that rogue traders who exploit and deceive residents will be held accountable. 'Mr Wheeler caused significant financial and emotional distress to his victims, who trusted him with their hard-earned money.'
Mint
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
YouTuber 'dies' in Italian micronation to outwit airline refund policy, here's how he did it
Popular British YouTuber Max Fosh faked his own death to claim a £37.28 ($50) refund after an airline refused repayment for his missed flight. The 30-year-old comedian, known for his 4.7 million-subscriber channel, discovered airlines only offer cash refunds if passengers die. Declaring himself "incredibly petty," Fosh sought revenge by exploiting this loophole. His mission? To become "technically dead" on paper. After researching options, he contacted Seborga, a self-declared micronation in Italy unrecognized by global governments. Princess Nina Menegatto, sympathetic to Fosh's battle against "big bad airlines," agreed to help. Fosh traveled to Seborga, where Princess Nina hosted a faux "diplomatic visit" and signed a custom death certificate validating his "demise." To bolster his case, he staged a funeral with three hired mourners and a eulogy from his video editor. The 'Principality', which has its own flag and currency, participated purely for entertainment. Fosh then submitted the documents to the unnamed airline, betting staff wouldn't scrutinize them closely. The stunt cost him significantly more than the refund, flights to Italy, car rentals, and actor fees, but he insisted it was about principle, not money. Five days later, the airline approved his refund and requested bank details. But Fosh's lawyer intervened, warning that claiming the money was "fraudulent" under the UK's Fraud Act 2006, despite not being outright fraud. Though the YouTuber argued airlines exploit customers with rigid policies, he abandoned the payout. In his viral video "I Technically Died," he urged viewers not to replicate the scheme. Legal experts note that while Seborga's certificate lacks legal weight, using it for financial gain could invite charges. The airline has not commented publicly. Meanwhile, the video sparked global debate, amassing 2+ million views. Supporters praised Fosh's creativity and critique of predatory airline policies, while critics called it wasteful. Social media reactions ranged from "Dude is so petty" to admiration for involving a micronation in "fraudulent behaviour." Fosh, famous for stunts like gambling in Vegas with a talking parrot, turned satire into a viral protest. Though he forfeited the £37, he highlighted how travelers lose thousands to nonrefundable tickets. Princess Nina's office confirmed cooperation was solely for entertainment, underscoring the stunt's absurdity.
South Wales Argus
16-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Travellers in limbo after British holiday firm loses licence
The company, based in Berkshire, stopped trading as an Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL) holder on June 13. The Civil Aviation Authority said: "The company based in Sandhurst, Berkshire traded under the names Your Holidays, Great Little Escapes, Tunisia First and websites and "We are currently collating information from the company and will update this page as soon as possible. "Whilst waiting for further information, please do not submit a claim as these will be rejected." It added: "If you are a travel agent of Great Little Escapes LLP and you are currently holding consumer payments which you have not yet paid to Great Little Escapes LLP, you must not use these funds to refund consumers until you have received instructions from the Air Travel Trust. "Travel agents will be individually contacted by the CAA with specific instructions for these bookings." The Civil Aviation Authority has the power to prosecute under section 1 of the Fraud Act 2006. The maximum sentence for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment. What do I do if my holiday company goes bust? Check that you have ATOL protection. If the travel provider was an ATOL holder, you may be ATOL protected if you purchased a flight and have not received tickets and have been given an ATOL Certificate. This was introduced in 1973, as the popularity of overseas trips grew. The scheme is run by us at the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). When you purchase an ATOL protected trip which includes a flight, you should be given an ATOL Certificate. Recommended reading: If your travel company becomes a failed ATOL holder when you are abroad, they help you to continue your trip by: Assisting you to stay in your holiday accommodation, if possible. Reimbursing you for any money you may have spent to replace ATOL protected parts of your trip, e.g. accommodation, car hire, transfers. Arranging flights home, depending on the circumstance. It is important to check that the travel company you are looking to book with holds an ATOL.
North Wales Chronicle
16-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Travellers in limbo after British holiday firm loses licence
The company, based in Berkshire, stopped trading as an Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL) holder on June 13. The Civil Aviation Authority said: "The company based in Sandhurst, Berkshire traded under the names Your Holidays, Great Little Escapes, Tunisia First and websites and "We are currently collating information from the company and will update this page as soon as possible. "Whilst waiting for further information, please do not submit a claim as these will be rejected." It added: "If you are a travel agent of Great Little Escapes LLP and you are currently holding consumer payments which you have not yet paid to Great Little Escapes LLP, you must not use these funds to refund consumers until you have received instructions from the Air Travel Trust. "Travel agents will be individually contacted by the CAA with specific instructions for these bookings." The Civil Aviation Authority has the power to prosecute under section 1 of the Fraud Act 2006. The maximum sentence for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment. Check that you have ATOL protection. If the travel provider was an ATOL holder, you may be ATOL protected if you purchased a flight and have not received tickets and have been given an ATOL Certificate. This was introduced in 1973, as the popularity of overseas trips grew. The scheme is run by us at the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). When you purchase an ATOL protected trip which includes a flight, you should be given an ATOL Certificate. Recommended reading: If your travel company becomes a failed ATOL holder when you are abroad, they help you to continue your trip by: It is important to check that the travel company you are looking to book with holds an ATOL.
The Herald Scotland
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Travellers in limbo after British holiday firm loses licence
The Civil Aviation Authority said: "The company based in Sandhurst, Berkshire traded under the names Your Holidays, Great Little Escapes, Tunisia First and websites and "We are currently collating information from the company and will update this page as soon as possible. "Whilst waiting for further information, please do not submit a claim as these will be rejected." It added: "If you are a travel agent of Great Little Escapes LLP and you are currently holding consumer payments which you have not yet paid to Great Little Escapes LLP, you must not use these funds to refund consumers until you have received instructions from the Air Travel Trust. "Travel agents will be individually contacted by the CAA with specific instructions for these bookings." The Civil Aviation Authority has the power to prosecute under section 1 of the Fraud Act 2006. The maximum sentence for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment. What do I do if my holiday company goes bust? Check that you have ATOL protection. If the travel provider was an ATOL holder, you may be ATOL protected if you purchased a flight and have not received tickets and have been given an ATOL Certificate. This was introduced in 1973, as the popularity of overseas trips grew. The scheme is run by us at the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). When you purchase an ATOL protected trip which includes a flight, you should be given an ATOL Certificate. Recommended reading: If your travel company becomes a failed ATOL holder when you are abroad, they help you to continue your trip by: Assisting you to stay in your holiday accommodation, if possible. Reimbursing you for any money you may have spent to replace ATOL protected parts of your trip, e.g. accommodation, car hire, transfers. Arranging flights home, depending on the circumstance. It is important to check that the travel company you are looking to book with holds an ATOL.
