Tomas, a businessman from Vilnius, expresses regret about his dealings with the company 'Taurus Fund' that manages the factoring service 'Faktoro'. During the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic, when his own company was struggling due to delayed payments from partners, Tomas turned to 'Taurus Fund' seeking financial relief. At the time, the financial climate was uncertain, with banks imposing difficult requirements for loans on small businesses, which made 'Taurus Fund's' involvement in state and EU financial programs seem reassuring.

Despite initial hopes, Tomas finds himself once again on the brink of financial distress as high interest rates threaten his business's viability. He recalls how the promise of factoring services, backed by government guarantees, initially instilled confidence; however, the reality of 17% interest rates from the loan support he secured has led to renewed anxiety about his company’s future. This situation highlights the broader struggle of small businesses in Lithuania during the pandemic and raises questions about the transparency and ethical conduct of finance companies operating in such challenging economic conditions.

The article sheds light on the difficulties faced by many entrepreneurs like Tomas, who, in desperate times, may engage with financial institutions that have unclear reputations. As the narrative unfolds, it not only serves as a cautionary tale about the risks involved in such financial transactions but also prompts a discussion about the need for better regulation and oversight of financial institutions to protect vulnerable businesses looking for support in times of crisis.