WeBuyAnyCar has gone into liquidation, leaving people out of work and out of pocket.
By NICOLE WILLIAMS
THE closure of a Dandenong car yard has left people unemployed and customers out of pocket, while the owner has fled overseas.
WeBuyAnyCar, which had a Dandenong dealership as well as operations in Altona, New South Wales and Queensland, was placed into voluntary liquidation in late July
The voluntary liquidation was made public only days after Consumer Affairs Victoria issued a public warning against trading with the business.
On 30 July, Consumer Affairs Victoria Acting Director Elizabeth Lanyon said Consumer Affairs Victoria had been contacted by more than 30 consumers after they had not received payment.
WeBuyAnyCar obtained vehicles from private sellers and would pay for the car once it had been sold.
Dr Lanyon said in many cases customers were not paid for many weeks, despite claims they would receive payment within 10 days of WeBuyAnyCar taking possession.
On 27 July Worrells Solvency and Forensic Accountants were appointed liquidators and all employment contracts were terminated.
The liquidators said their current emphasis was on securing possession of all the cars owned by the company.
“The inventory and other records of the company do not appear to have been kept-up-to-date,” Raj Khatri, partner of Worrells Brisbane said.
“This, and the absence of the company’s managing director Richard Burbage, who appears to have left the country, has hampered the process.”
Mr Khatri said there could be more than 1000 customers and unsecured creditors affected by the liquidation, to a value of more than $10 million.
“We are extremely sympathetic to those parties who have been affected both financially and emotionally by the company’s failure,” Mr Khatri said.
“It is unfortunate that such matters take some time to progress to a point where we can give people a meaningful indication of where they stand.”
Customers who have not been paid for their cars are urged to contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81.
Consumers who are waiting for payment from WeBuyAnyCars should contact the liquidators on 07 3225 4300.
