Advent Computer Training (Barclays Partner Finance)Info and discussion thread

[Yasmin89]

wonder how long it took thwm to set that one up?

[10pack]

It did not take long to set up..

they used one of the training packs they was supposed to send to us.. and they learned everything they needed to know about web sites.. I bet they even paid for their own exams.. wonder if they passed first time??

[prezesmaks]

TBH I dont know where to post it so Im gonna leave it here so If admin finds better place please move this post accordingly.

I tried to recover my fees I paid but no luck so far. I paid 750£ by visa debit in 2007 so I tried to claim Visa chargeback from my bank Lloyds TSB. They told that: ..."visa regulations have a 120 days limit from a date the payment is debited from my account". (quote from letter). I also paid £4000 in credit to Anglo Capital. As Im covered by credit act 74. I wrote a letter to recover my money. Letter came back as undelivered 2 weeks after(address taken from Financial Ombudsman database). Ive not heard from Computeach obviously and Ive not read all post from 70 to 115 aut it looks like Barclays customers have been offered computeach training. Anyway Im gonna take ma chances somewhere else so try to call ombudsman again to resolve at least my chances on credit act 74. Good luck to all of you ripped off. Fingers crossed.

[Bluedo]

TBH I dont know where to post it so Im gonna leave it here so If admin finds better place please move this post accordingly.

I tried to recover my fees I paid but no luck so far. I paid 750£ by visa debit in 2007 so I tried to claim Visa chargeback from my bank Lloyds TSB. They told that: ..."visa regulations have a 120 days limit from a date the payment is debited from my account". (quote from letter). I also paid £4000 in credit to Anglo Capital. As Im covered by credit act 74. I wrote a letter to recover my money. Letter came back as undelivered 2 weeks after(address taken from Financial Ombudsman database). Ive not heard from Computeach obviously and Ive not read all post from 70 to 115 aut it looks like Barclays customers have been offered computeach training. Anyway Im gonna take ma chances somewhere else so try to call ombudsman again to resolve at least my chances on credit act 74. Good luck to all of you ripped off. Fingers crossed.

 

Hi prezesmaks,

Are you an Advent student ? if so then you are in the right thread. Except we are mainly with Barclays Partner Finance.

Does anyone know if there's a thread for Anglo Capital clients. that was Advents in house Finance and they are bust too.

You guys that were with Anglo Capital should get together and contact the legal representative we're dealing with and get a bit of guidance this is not right that you are left with this loss it'll be Section 75 cca .

They needn't kid on they've no money I don't believe that for a minute they were boasting of a £35million turnover at xmas. Good luck with the FOS in the meantime.

[MARTIN3030]

I will paste here my response posted in the Facebook forum.

If anyone has any questions on this after reading-feel free to ask.

 

 

As many visitors and subscribers to the CAG forums will be aware,I have myself been looking at a way forward,as have other site team members.

The situation is complex in that there is a number of different issues that made it impossible for a one fits all approach.

I became aware that a couple of no win no fee representations were interested,but as a member of the CAG since 2006,I can tell you that I have seen more than my share of no win no fee companies offering their services when theres an opportunity.

The Cag is a self help site and free for all,we encourage with tools and resouces which includes much of whats needed to take pro active steps to get results on a personal level.In doing so we have helped our members to claw back £millions from banks,credit card issuers,Debt collection agents,Telecoms providers,Mortgage providers,and catalogue companies just to name a few.

But I recognise that taking the big boys on is not something that is appealing to all.

Let me put it another way-No win no fee organisations steer clear of cases which pose high risk to themselves-if there is interest here,then its reasonable to assume they feel confident.

Likewise,those people affected having read hundereds of posts and seen results from the FOS in some cases,will also take comfort in knowing that BPF are not beyond redemption.

We have been happy to give a platform to all those affected with Advent and BPF on the CAG,and also those affected by Hitachi Capitol.

But I outline here,that the CAG is not able to endorse nor support no win no fee organisations since it goes outside the ethos and character of the site.

I just thought this needed to be pointed out,and I wish those who want to pursue third party representation good luck.

I would ask that publicising of any third party involvements be restricted to this forum.

This is only fair to other members across the CAG forums who have an understanding of the self help approach which the CAG has founded itself upon.

[Fuzzbutt]

That CAG has no association with this initiative was made clear in the post, Martin. As the site team and owner were not forthcoming in saying yes or no either way I thought a post with a disclaimer would be acceptable. Apologies if it was not. I suggest people contact me directly from now on if they want to take part.

 

And as you are aware, as you know who the firm is from my pm's, they are not a small company seeing an opportunity to prey on people here but a very credible firm who have taken and won large class action cases for consumers in the States, and their lawyers have been advisers to BBC Watchdog, Which? and also have influenced setting policy with the FSA among other regulating bodies.

 

While the action may not cover everyones circumstances (in which case they will have to take their own cases forward) they are hoping to firm up a representative group for as many as possible. I understand people are still free to proceed with complaints to the Ombudsman (as I am myself) but the time for polite letters to Barclays Customer Service, who are still in denial they are doing anything wrong, is now passed and people want action.

[Bluedo]

Hi Martin,

First of all I would like to say thank you and to the site team for giving us this platform that has been invaluable through a very stressful and difficult situation we all through no fault of our own find ourselves in.

I understand the ethos of Consumer Action Group that it is a self help group and that CAG does not endorse third party representation but offers guidance and support to anyone dealing with many issues that are soul destroying when faced with Debt or Corporate businesses that bully people who are not aware of their rights as I was, So CAG is a lifesaver literally for many.

 

However this situation with Advent/BPF is not straight forward there are the numbers involved which are reaching into the thousands affected the many different Financial scenarios that people have, they have made it very complex probably deliberately.

I'd hope you agree that what Fuzzbutt and I did was for the greater good in that we tried to inform as many students as possible that this Firm was able to at least be in a position to fight for us, something a lot of us would be unable even with CAG help to do for ourselves. Many are very young and like me have no knowledge of the Law. Barclay's Partner Finance know that althogh many would take the route to threaten them and even get to the length of court that they may end up not going through with it. My fear being that if they got nasty which I expect they will then it becomes too much.

So this seems a solution that may, due to the vast numbers involved be something that's not been done before at least in this country.

 

The option has not been erased for any Student seeking the help of CAG they can take advice from you and the team and also the FOS complaints are still standing. All the Representative asked was that they be informed so not to undermine their action. That'll be if they are involved in the action.

 

I appreciate all the help I've received from yourself and Cashins this has been a godsend to me personally and there is no intention of conflict our fight is with Barclay's Partner Finance.

[Fuzzbutt]

Thanks Bluedo for that support - this will certainly not undermine CAG team's good work and as already said, people can follow official complaint lines too. But this doesn't cost money for the individuals who want to take part and is a light at the end of a tunnel for many.

 

At the moment it seems the Ombudsman may be upholding some complaints but it's early days - and there's a big backlog in their system so people who have made a complaint (even if they did it in the early days just after Advent folded, as I did) may still face a big delay before their case is considered. I can only assume anyone saying they have had a result from the Ombudsman and a refund had put in a complaint before Advent folded for some reason as the FO won't take up a case until 8 weeks have passed. That would make it end of March for those of us who acted quickly.

[Bluedo]

Well my complaint time is up on Friday this week the fos counted the 8weeks from the date of the first complaint letter I sent (I'm a bit slow)

I received a letter from BPF complaints dept. saying they would resolve this by the 12th april that's today and no letter this morning:eek: So I take it it's not resolved and I saw someone has been sent a letter from BPF saying their complaint will be resolved by the 21st

You know what that means.... they don't have a solution

They'll be reading this and will likely send out a letter today oh well another one for the pile:)

[jesterjoe00]

Looks like things are taking shape for the people that are being screwed by barclays partner finance and the so called reputable IT distance learning companies. VIVA LA RESISTANCE.

[MARTIN3030]

Hi Martin,

First of all I would like to say thank you and to the site team for giving us this platform that has been invaluable through a very stressful and difficult situation we all through no fault of our own find ourselves in.

I understand the ethos of Consumer Action Group that it is a self help group and that CAG does not endorse third party representation but offers guidance and support to anyone dealing with many issues that are soul destroying when faced with Debt or Corporate businesses that bully people who are not aware of their rights as I was, So CAG is a lifesaver literally for many.

 

However this situation with Advent/BPF is not straight forward there are the numbers involved which are reaching into the thousands affected the many different Financial scenarios that people have, they have made it very complex probably deliberately.

I'd hope you agree that what Fuzzbutt and I did was for the greater good in that we tried to inform as many students as possible that this Firm was able to at least be in a position to fight for us, something a lot of us would be unable even with CAG help to do for ourselves. Many are very young and like me have no knowledge of the Law. Barclay's Partner Finance know that althogh many would take the route to threaten them and even get to the length of court that they may end up not going through with it. My fear being that if they got nasty which I expect they will then it becomes too much.

So this seems a solution that may, due to the vast numbers involved be something that's not been done before at least in this country.

 

The option has not been erased for any Student seeking the help of CAG they can take advice from you and the team and also the FOS complaints are still standing. All the Representative asked was that they be informed so not to undermine their action. That'll be if they are involved in the action.

 

I appreciate all the help I've received from yourself and Cashins this has been a godsend to me personally and there is no intention of conflict our fight is with Barclay's Partner Finance.

 

Yes noted.

My post was of course meant for anyone who were unaware of the position-which you will have known from our communications.

I am sure that even many people not affected by the Advent crash will be keen to see some justice-by whatever it takes.

[Bluedo]

Thanks Martin,

Can you check out this company if you get a min.

I don't know what to make of it

 

Advent Training Incorporation

 

Advent Training Inc. is focusing on a new breed of super students. Priceless

 

(They don't need to do that we're already here

Edited April 12, 2010 by Bluedo

[wasabi project]

Martin,

 

my payment is due on 1st may, and having spoken to barclays they were less than helpful and just kept repeating that the agreement cannot be cancelled. Should i ring computeach and explain my situation (that i have been trying to cancel my course since december) to see if they can offer me a resolution, or would it just be a waste of time? please advise as to what i should be doing or need to do next it would be greatly appreciated

[Mustard2243]

Do not contact Computeach under any circumstances!!!

[Illyria16]

Hi, am new to this thread and recieved my letter from computeach a few days ago and like everyone here i have no intention of being trained with them. i signed up with advent more than a year ago and have already paid up the full amount but have got absolutely nothing to show for it (i got about halfway through the A+ Essentials textbook) as i had to stop studying for a while. If i could i would like legal help from the CAG team but i am unsure about how to do this, can someone advise me on what step i should take now??

[wasabi project]

Do not contact Computeach under any circumstances!!!

 

then what should i do

[Celina]

I just like to say its now Monday 12th I was suppose to get a letter from BPF but nothing still. I contact by phone and then by letter to FOS to see what happens now. I got a letter from computeach stating that I should log onto their training (not happy) with the fact they have my details with out my saying thats fine grrrr or not.

I then get an e-mail saying that I should log on.. well hello not heard of phising!!! i don't go opening e-mail accounts because a random e-mail comes to inbox grrrrrr not happy with the customer service. I was not informed if I was happy that my details were passed to another organisation by letter or any other means. Possible breach of data protection some where. I cannot read any where in my contract that another firm would agree to share my details. Only that it was another barclay division.

[Mustard2243]

Currently the best action you can take is write to Barclays and the Financial Ombudsman. I do not think anyone is sure what constitutes accepting Computeach as an alternative training provider, so i believe it is best not to speak to them at all. In addition to this it will give them a chance to lie to you about how great they are, and of course PM fuzzbutt saying you would like to be included in the class action against BPF.

[Beedles6]

hi fuzzbutt have you received my email yet havn't had one from you yet

[On Hook]

Yes me too :-?

[mantaxi]

Well my complaint time is up on Friday this week the fos counted the 8weeks from the date of the first complaint letter I sent (I'm a bit slow)

I received a letter from BPF complaints dept. saying they would resolve this by the 12th april that's today and no letter this morning:eek: So I take it it's not resolved and I saw someone has been sent a letter from BPF saying their complaint will be resolved by the 21st

You know what that means.... they don't have a solution

They'll be reading this and will likely send out a letter today oh well another one for the pile:)

 

got my letter from bpf sat they said my complaint would be resolved by the 14 april. don't hold out much hope on a refund been given probably will be a letter saying they have fullfilled the contract if you do not agree contact fos.

[danton2002]

Does anyone have a template letter i could send to Barclays saying im not happy with their replacement training provider and would like to be refunded?

 

I would like to complain to the Financial Ombudsman but odviously would need to send some kind of complaint to Barclays before i do that but im not sure what to put in the letter.

 

Thanks to everyone keeping this thread alive.

[MARTIN3030]

Martin,

 

my payment is due on 1st may, and having spoken to barclays they were less than helpful and just kept repeating that the agreement cannot be cancelled. Should i ring computeach and explain my situation (that i have been trying to cancel my course since december) to see if they can offer me a resolution, or would it just be a waste of time? please advise as to what i should be doing or need to do next it would be greatly appreciated

 

No dealing by phone takes away your powers and you are left with no record.

These things need to be done in writing and sent with proof of postage and delivery.

They know then that they have to look at it.

Especially if you put them on notice that you will take it further.

 

Have you got proof that you was trying to cancel since December ?

[MARTIN3030]

Thanks Martin,

Can you check out this company if you get a min.

I don't know what to make of it

 

Advent Training Incorporation

 

Advent Training Inc. is focusing on a new breed of super students. Priceless

 

(They don't need to do that we're already here

 

Yes very strange-will look at it in a bit more detail.

[10pack]

I also need a template letter to write to Barclays with..

 

I am not sure what to write and dont want to put something in writing that could mess up my complaint

Thanks