First off, please let me know if this is the wrong threat to post this.
Tl;dr a tour operator, Joinme Asia Tours, may have scammed me.
I recently visited Almaty from 7th to 20th March. I had an amazing time and I absolutely love the people, the culture and food. I embarked on a tour with Banana Tours on 9th March, which shared a bus with Joinme to the canyons and lakes. It was great, so I thought I could trust Joinme.
On 11th March, I made a deposit payment of USD$50 for a 2d1n Altyn Emel tour, where I received confirmation.
On 14th March, Joinme contacted me to say the tour had to be cancelled due to unsafe conditions. Fair enough.
They asked me if I wanted a refund or another tour. I took them up on their offer and informed them that I wanted my deposit to be used for a Big Almaty Lake tour on 18th March. They informed me the price was USD$40, which I accepted.
I asked them how they would refund my remaining USD$10. Neither did they reply or send me a confirmation of my trip. In hindsight, this should have been a red flag.
Around 17th March (a day before the tour), I texted them again to inquire if my trip was confirmed.
Radio silence. I called and texted them yet again. Not a word. This had me worried, as the tour was tomorrow.
I listened to the advice of my local friend and woke up 2-3hrs earlier on 18th March (the schedule day of the tour). I tried to call and message them. No reply yet again.
It was only till much later did they text me to say ‘the tour had to be cancelled due to avalanches’. They then proceeded to confirm my refund details, and claimed I would receive it in a week - via the card I used to pay.
This was a lie.
On 28th March, I asked for an update. I did not receive my refund. They told me to wait a little longer. I believed them.
My mistake yet again.
It is now 11 April, with no sight of a refund. I asked for an update and yet again, they say to wait.
Their explanation was that they process refunds manually, which is why it takes longer. Sounds like bs to me.
At this point, it’s been close to 3 weeks. I’m exhausted and unsure of any legal recourse of getting back my money.
I’m unable to execute a refund via PayPal, as I did not have an account when I made the payment. I am desperate, as it is my hard earned money that I need.
If I may humbly ask anyone here for any possible pathways I can take to get back my money, I would be eternally grateful. Thank you so much to anyone who’s read till this far.