Brett Caravans scam website warning

Sandy And Co replied on 30/07/2018 08:16

Sandy And Co

Posted on 30/07/2018 08:16

My partner and I think a caravan would be awesome for holidays with our daughter, but had not realized there are scammers out there in caravan sales.

We decided an Eriba would be great for us and looking around found this one at "Brett Caravans":

https://brett-caravans.com/product/eriba-troll-530-caravan-2-3b-8250/

After an email to and fro and few phone discussions, we decided to go for it. We did a quick company check and it appeared they'd been in business over 15 years so must be solid right? We didn't fancy the 5 hour drive each way and have seen similar vans in the flesh - they also offered a 50% deposit and the remainder on delivery which seemed good practice...

Well after sending a 50% deposit by bank transfer they no longer respond to emails or answer the phone and we've since found a facebook page showing that it's just a scam and none of the caravans exist.

We have of course contacted the bank and police but nothing much seems to be happening and it can take weeks apparently.

I figured posting here (we'd just joined the club in anticipation of our new van!) might help other people avoid this same scam!

We're still looking at getting a van but sure won't be buying one we've not seen and will stump up the extra to buy from a reputable dealer with google reviews and a facebook page.

Oh how stupid we feel! Please spread the word to stop others suffering the same fate!

65 replies

Tinwheeler replied on 30/07/2018 08:38

Tinwheeler

Campervanner from Cornwall

Posted on 30/07/2018 08:38

A lesson hard learnt.

Never, ever part with money for a caravan until you’ve seen it. Even if the van exists, it could be riddled with damp or have numerous other problems.

I’m sorry you were scammed and it’s very brave of you to admit it here as a warning to others. Well done. 👍🏻

3 people like this

replied on 30/07/2018 08:57

Posted on 30/07/2018 08:57

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

replied on 30/07/2018 09:18

Posted on 30/07/2018 09:18

If you check out the registered company address it is a small shop front for an accountancy and there are 35 companies registered at the address. I noticed that the website did not give a full contact address and only what is a non-geographic landline number which is unusual for a fixed base dealership I suspect. Whilst I would not buy 5 hours from home from any dealer, if I were minded to do so, I would probably phone the nearest CC clubsite and ask the warden to recommend a local mobile caravan fitter to employ to inspect for me including a damp check. If dealer was not happy with that I would walk away. If all checked out I would chance a £200 deposit by credit card to hold whilst I drove down.

Thanks for the heads up for others.

replied on 30/07/2018 09:23

Posted on 30/07/2018 09:23

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

eurortraveller replied on 30/07/2018 10:38

Member

eurortraveller

from Cornwall

Posted on 30/07/2018 10:38

Sandy, My sympathy . I hope you get some redress.

But genuine dealers really don't offer that make and model and year of caravan worth £17,000 for £8250.

Good luck with your court case.

lagerorwine replied on 30/07/2018 12:12

Member

lagerorwine

Caravanner from South Yorkshire

Posted on 30/07/2018 12:12

Sandy thank you for posting the warning to others, as has been said, very brave of you.

Just looked at the website, and can see how you were taken in by it - very professional scam indeed. As ET says, the prices are the give away to the trained eye and regular caravannner, but as you have found, they are obviously looking to scam the unsuspecting who are first timers.

I hope your bank and the police take this seriously.