At that time Samuel was looking for financial assistance to buy a taxi so that he could grow his business. He says he had seen a Quantum at a certain dealer in Polokwane for R170 000, but all the major banks had declined to finance him, saying he can’t afford it. After speaking to ABG Auto over the phone he deposited R20, 800. He says Benson from ABG confirmed the banking details and told him that their finance is guaranteed and takes only 14 days to be approved. All he needed to do was to submit documents relating to his employment and pay a 10% deposit of the value of the taxi he wanted to buy and R3 000 for administration fees into their bank account.

The deal fell through and Samuel has not received his deposit back. Speak Out investigates what has happened to Samuel’s deposit.