Buyers beware: Scam dealerships

The scammers are back: https://www.crestalancashire.co.uk/

Top advice to remember when buying a new caravan or motorhome:

• Always see a vehicle before placing a deposit.
• Always be sceptical if it’s hard to arrange to see a vehicle (e.g. not open at weekends).
• If prices seem too good to be true, they probably are.
• If anything doesn’t feel right, walk away. They will always be another vehicle.

Sadly scams aren’t going away during lockdown – in fact the scammers are taking advantage of people not being able to inspect vehicles before sale.

Read this article on the Guardian for more information

Fraudsters use covid lockdown to scam motorhome buyers

Just read this morning about the surge in scam or fake ads for caravans and motorhomes in the past few weeks. I sold our caravan last week on ebay and the number of enquiries - often from novice caravaners - was incredible. Unfortunately there will always be those looking to take criminal advantage of a situation. 

Possibly a new scam being worked on people selling their cars. Two or three men turn up to look at it and insist on looking at the engine bay. One then distracts the seller usually by asking to look in the boot while an accomplice adds something to the coolant or after removing the oil filler cap. They will either then say there is oil in the coolant and therefore a problem there or take a test drive and the engine will smoke. They then try to knock a large sum off the price on the basis it will need substantial repair when this is not true. 

This came to light in one instance as the men did not realise the seller had cctv and caught them.

Thanks Wildwood.  I seem to recall reading about this one in the past but it's always good to remind people.

Anyone looking to buy off eBay it seems some accounts have been hacked and taken over by scammers. The format usually has a picture of the van / motorhome/ car and another picture with the contact information/ email address. Looks a bargain but beware, a quick look revealed multiple accounts with the same email format @vrmail.co.uk

Many have been reported and taken down but many remain.

Always check other items, and see if what is for sale is feasible.

Here is an example

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Devon-Sunrise-With-cassette-toilet-and-power-steering-/303873980404

eBay have finally taken the above listing down , took about 5 days though 😶

Continue to beware of fake caravan and motorhome dealers. For example http://shorefieldmotorhomes.co.uk who aren't (despite their claim) in the Advanced Workshop Scheme and whose premises have striking resemblance to an innocent dealer. Never part with money unless you are sure a dealer exists. Sadly members have been victims of such scams before.

Hello everyone,

Another one to be aware of here: https://www.dmsdepot.co.uk/

Thanks Rowena.  I've made your two links 'live' but the Shorefield one says page not found.