Fraud crime prevention – large item fraud – don’t be fooled by fake offers

Advice from Humberside Police:

Are you thinking of buying a big purchase such as a campervan or caravan online? 

Have you seen the perfect mobile home for you and your family to head off on a staycation this year?

Please be careful and make sure the item you are looking for is legitimate.

We want you to be able to buy safely and with confidence.  Try and use a seller recommended to you or one you know to be above board.

If you in any doubt at all, walk away – TAKE FIVE – JUST TAKE FIVE MINUTES TO THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING AT AND CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS.

What to look out for when buying large items online:

Does the advert seem too good to be true?

• More often than not when you see a deal that looks like the steal of the century, it probably is, but not for you. Scammers often copy other businesses’ credentials and advertise identical vehicles but at crazy prices.
• If you’re unsure, take a look at similar models on the market. Usually, these scams are priced at around 30-70% less than they really should be.
• Handy idea – ask for a video call to see the caravan/motorhome in their possession. If they are advertising as a business, you can ask for a photograph of their ID. If they deny your requests, take that as a sign that something is wrong and walk away.

Are they asking for bank details and personal information?

• Even if you believe you are dealing with a legitimate business, you should never reveal your PIN or passwords. Legitimate companies would never asked for your private information.
• Tip – If the seller is a business, search for their legitimacy online, including social media channel. If you can’t find any of these, then it could suggest that the business is fake.

Are they sending messages and emails with links?

• Known as phishing, this is a scam used to extract your bank details. These messages are typically about ‘suspicious activity on your account’ or eligibility to a fake refund. These messages are used to lure people into providing sensitive data such as payment credentials and passwords.
• Tip – Verify the authenticity of the domain by searching it on Google before you click on the link.

Are they asking for a deposit or fee before viewing the vehicle?

• It’s important to beware of advanced fee fraud, where scammers encourage you to make large upfront payments for vehicles that then turn out not to exist.
• Never send payment to a seller when you have not seen the vehicle for proof that it exists.
• Be cautious with those that make offers before a viewing, as well as sellers who push for the 10% deposit early on in the conversation or ask for 20% or more! If the vendor doesn’t seem co-operative, is too pushy or isn’t willing for you to get an independent survey, walk away.

If you have been a victim of fraud, if you have bought a vehicle, campervan or caravan online and think you have been scammed then call Action Fraud to report it. 

Together we can help prevent others being scammed and catch those responsible for causing misery to others.