It’s so important to be extra vigilant when considering a large, expensive purchase like a camper van – especially if you haven’t seen the vehicle in person. This year, due to the pandemic - there’s been a surge in demand for camper vans but sadly, this has also led to a huge increase in online scams.
The fraudsters will usually copy information (including pictures) from a legitimate advert and post a listing on sites like Gumtree and eBay. They will then ask the buyer to pay the money before the van is delivered, usually leaving the buyer out of pocket with no van in sight.
At Jackyards, we feel so sorry for anyone who’s been a victim of these sophisticated scams. That’s why we’ve put together a few top tips and ‘red flags’ for you to be on the lookout for, to help you decide if the listing you're looking at could be dodgier than it seems…
❗️ Be suspicious of anything that looks 'too good to be true', such as super-low prices, giveaways or bundle deals.
❗️ Check where the vehicle is coming from and see if there are contact details for the seller. If they haven’t put their full or real name, phone number or email address – that could be suspicious!
❗️ Research the seller - look for reviews or testimonials and Google their name or username as other people may have posted about them if they have been scammed before.
❗️ Look for multiple pictures and videos of the camper van - you could even ask for a Facetime or Skype call with the seller, to get a virtual tour of it. If it’s a second-hand van, we’d also recommend either going to see it in person or getting a trusted mechanic or camper van specialist in the local area to check it over on your behalf. The last thing you want is to purchase a van that looks great on the outside, but won’t start or fails its MOT…
❗️ Legitimate online sellers will ask for payment via secure payment systems such as PayPal as this protects both the buyer and the seller. You should never accept a request to pay someone privately via an online bank transfer, as your payment won’t always be protected in case of a scam or fake listing.
As with any large purchase, it’s always good to stick with the motto ‘If in doubt, leave it out’… If you’re unsure about anything on an online listing, your best bet is not to pursue it and to look elsewhere such as an official VW garage or dealership.
Stay safe out there guys! 💙