Today I read about a friend who has paid a lady who advertisers herself as helping out up and coming businesses (I'm not sure in what capacity), who's gone onto not deliver on what she advertises and kept the money.
She's been in touch with CAB and Trading Standards, and TS are already aware of her, and she has a habit of opening a company, swindling people then closing down and starting again.
From what my friend has written, she does this in the capacity of a limited company, I'm guessing that this is so she can't be held personally liable for the money she keeps when not doing what has been paid for.
Would the small claims courts be a possibility, or is it basically hopeless?