Fraud

[Beginner555]

I started diving about a year ago. Only 30 dives or so under my belt. My instructor, who has many credentials and a lot of teaching and diving experience has taken $1500 that I sent him for tanks and dry suit and didn't order the equipment and won't respond to calls and emails (over 20 so far). He's a PADI and IANTD instructor. I want my money back (it's been 5 months) .

Also, my buddy and I completed the IANTD coure for EANx and didn't receive our certs. We also completed 4 of the 5 Advanced Open Water dives, but he will not respond to emails, so we can't transfer our experience to another school.

I guess I should report this to PADI/IANTD. But can or will they do anything?

I'd appreciate any guidance.

Toby

 

[xSandman3]

Did you check with PADI to see if he's actually a renewed, active instructor? You may never get your card if he's not.

 

[Beginner555]

Did you check with PADI to see if he's actually a renewed, active instructor? You may never get your card if he's not.

No, but I'll do that tomorrow. Thanks.

 

[djanni]

:11: Five months :11:

$1,500.... You are way too patient.


Call the Police! NOW!

 

[RICHinNC]

Check with small claims court...not sure the limits. Hate to go that way but he sure had the opportunity to respond. Nail his butt.

 

[Beginner555]

:11: Five months :11:

$1,500.... You are way too patient.


Call the Police! NOW!

Not sure that the police will do anything, but I'm starting a small-claims action. You're right: I should have done something sooner, but he seemed like a good guy and, I thought, a friend. Great and attentive in the water and in the upper eschelons of the PADI hierarchy, but a lousy businessman. Still find it hard to believe that he's intentionally screwing me...

 

[wedivebc]

Where is he located, maybe someone on this board can pay him a visit and help convince him to do the right thing

 

[Beginner555]

Check with small claims court...not sure the limits. Hate to go that way but he sure had the opportunity to respond. Nail his butt.

Thanks RICHiNC. I'll let you know how it goes... Small claims limits in Mass is $2K. Now I have to find a new instructor/school. The whole business has had the unfortunate side effect of souring me on diving schools...

 

[Beginner555]

Where is he located, maybe someone on this board can pay him a visit and help convince him to do the right thing

Douglas, MA: http://www.diveday.com

 

[wedivebc]

Well there you have it folks

We are easy to find right off Rt. 146 on the Douglas / Uxbridge line.

From Rt. 146, take the Lackey Dam Road exit, at the end of the ramp head towards Douglas, going past the Shell Gas Station on your left hand side, go past the Shell Station and travel 0.6 miles down, we are next building on Left.

From Webster / Thompson, take Rt. 16 west into Douglas, Once in the center of town bear to the left at the fork to take North Street, follow that over the little bridge and to the stop sign, at the stop sign take a right hand turn on to Gilboa Street, we are the first building on the right hand side