If say for example, you gave someone a large sum of money, for a service to be provided, and said service doesn’t materialise – but all you have is a chain of emails and a phone number that goes to voicemail – is there any other way to ensure you get a refund?

Perhaps through people that are in touch with this person?

Is it simply time to accept that i’ve been duped/nobbled/hung to dry?

I’d give them a chance to respond and attempt to contact however I could. Then, depending on value, small claims or solicitors (or police depending on whether it feels like proper fraud).

This?

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/how-long-before-you-rant-rant

id give it till lunch, then explore the small claims route

unless you are really difficult to contact yourself, then i would give it till tea.

This?

Aye