RV Sales - Fraud to Watch Out For

Con artists have been around for millennia, andend up without the deposit, and never see the rig.
always seem to find someone to take their bait. If• Another scam involves someone from a foreign
you are checking out RV sales, you should staycountry who has an agent who will be in charge of
informed about all of the current chicanery andshipping the Class B overseas. This is a variation of
swindling that is going around. Don't believethe second scam listed.
everything you are told, and be overly cautious• You can find some great buys on eBay, and
whether buying or selling your travel trailer.Craigslist. These websites also have their share of
A general rule of thumb is that if the deal sounds toocon artists. You may be told that the bargain has to
good to be true, it probably is. There are a lot ofbe snatched up right now if you want it, and if you
good, honest sellers and buyers of RVs, but it onlybuy it, it is the old bait and switch trick. You end up
takes one shyster to steal your money and leavewith a lemon - or nothing.
you high and dry. Check it out. Here are some of the• Never hand over the Class C until the check
games that con men play.clears, and avoid online escrow accounts.
Some common scams• Make sure that the seller actually owns the
• If the buyer or seller will communicate only byvehicle she is selling.
e-mail, it is probably a scam. Try to get informationHow to prevent getting ripped off by a scam artist
about other ways to contact the person. Check theBe knowledgeable about the purchase you wish to
e-mail address on Google for information.make. Have a trustworthy friend involved in the
• Beware of anyone who wants to send youprocess of buying or selling to be your second
more than you are asking for. This scam involvesopinion. Make sure that the RV dealer with whom
asking you for a refund of the extra when you getyou are working is legitimate by checking with the
the original check. When you take it to the bank, it isBetter Business Bureau. In the end, the best thing
fake, and you lose the money that you "refunded."you can do is pay close attention to what is
• Some sellers will ask you for a deposit beforehappening. If you are uncomfortable, or the salesman
they will let you see the motorhome. You may wellis pushing too hard, turn around and walk away.