Please find below the email response I got today on the matter of Action Group businesses who claim to assist people in reclaiming their deposits. Our action group consists of only people affected by the development (or lack of it!). We have not engaged any such services but have dealt direct with Spanish Lawyers.
I hope the response below helps and at least there are some interesting links. I have responded to one of the links so if I get a reply to that I will post what it was about and what the response was....
KingofSpain999@googlemail.com
Dear 'King of Spain 999'
Thank you for contacting the European Consumer Centre for Services. Your reference number for your case is #736. Please use your reference number in all correspondence with us.
The ECCS provides general information on consumer law and rights when buying services across the European Union, as well as contact details for organisations that could provide practical assistance in case of a dispute. The ECCS is a requirement of the European Services Directive, Article 21. It is delivered by the Trading Standards Institute and is funded by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills.
Following your enquiry relating to the issues you have had with buying a property in Spain and whether certain Property Action Groups are a legitimate company that may be able to assist you in reclaiming your deposit we can advise as follows.
It is always difficult to categorically say that a company is legitimate as they may well be registered in the correct way etc but this does not mean that they operate with appropriate business practises.
We would always advise that if you are asked for an upfront fee that you should be cautious. You may also like to search the internet for other consumer’s opinions of this company by putting the name followed by ‘forum’, ‘blog’ or ‘scam’. This will often bring up much information on a company but you still need to bear in mind that this is opinion based on others experiences.
We would suggest that you use associations that are free and that are made up of people in a similar position to yourself. The website below may be able to give you an insight into what is available:
You may have done this already but it may be worth you contacting your MEP to see if there is any pressure that they may be able to put to help push your situation forward.
If you follow the link below you will be able to find out who your local MEP is:
Again many thanks for contacting the European Consumer Centre for Services, should you be looking to purchase services in the EU in the future please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to advise you further.
Best regards
Jane
Jane Negus Executive ECCS hosted by the Trading Standards Institute | 1 Sylvan Court, Sylvan Way, Southfields Business Park, Basildon, Essex, SS15 6TH | T: +44 (0)8456 08 94 94 | F: +44 (0)8456 08 96 00 | E: eccs@tsi.org.uk
| W: www.ukecc-services.net
The European Consumer Centre for Services. Delivered by the Trading Standards Institute. Funded by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills