Campervan and motorhome scams are the latest get rich quick schemes. Online marketplaces – such as Facebook Marketplace and Ebay – are riddled with them.
You want to invest in a new dream and these scamsters just want your hard-earned cash. A camper van or motorhome purchase is emotionally-driven, and they’re out to take advantage of that. And, with big money at stake, they are getting more and more advanced. However, with careful research and a savvy approach you can safeguard your money; this guide tells you how.
This buyers’ guide includes:
1. The types of scams out there.
2. A red flag ‘scam avoidance’ checklist.
3. Essential knowledge to avoid falling victim scammers.
Table of Contents
↠ Types of Common Campervan, Caravan & Motorhome Scams
↠ Fake Second-hand Listing Scams
↠ Stolen Vehicle Scams
↠ Intentional Misrepresentation Scams
↠ Red Flags to Look For
↠ FREE Red Flag Checklist
↠ 10+ Top Tips to Avoid Falling Victim
↠ What to do if You Encounter a Scam
↠ Conclusion
Common Campervan, Caravan & Motorhome Scams
According to Action Fraud, online car scams have increased by 21% between 2019-2023!
Before we get into how you – as a buyer – can avoid the scams, let’s take a quick look at the different kinds of camper van scams out there.
There are three main kinds:
- Fake secondhand listing scams
- Stolen vehicle & vehicle cloning scams
- Intentional misrepresentation scams
Fake Second-hand Listings on Facebook Marketplace etc
Fake? Surely someone can’t just magic up a motorhome?
Well, actually they can. This is exactly what happens with a fake second-hand listing scam.
With this popular kind of buying scam, fraudsters download photos of genuine vehicles for sale, re-use them in their own adverts, and post them online at unbelievably low prices (usually with sob story). How many listings do you see with ‘divorce/house move/vet bill etc forces sale? Scammers often use these to pull on the heart strings.
When you enquire, they do everything they can to build trust and drive urgency. They want to get you to pay a deposit. They’ll send additional photos, and even videos.
Once you pay the deposit, you’ll probably never hear from them again. Or, worse… they might continue to lead you on.
Many victims have been told that their vehicle is going to be delivered (never happens), or are given a collection address… only to find that there’s no van there.
Innocent people are losing thousands of pounds every day to this kind of ‘deposit scam’. It’s a common scam on Facebook Marketplace.
It’s easy to fall victim to this kind of fraud, experienced vanlifer @LiamTheTerrible almost did:
This tale is a grim reminder to beware of deals that appear too good to be true:
Case Study: Fake Secondhand Motorhome Listing Nets £42,000
One of the worst cases we’ve seen hit headlines in 2020, after a couple of NHS workers were swindled.
They thought they were getting a great deal on a motorhome on eBay – £14,000 for a 2007 Auto-Trail Cheyenne 696G seemed unusually good.
Seduced by a story of the seller wanting to support frontline workers during the COVID-19 crisis, the couple remortgaged their home to fund the purchase.
After transferring the money, they discovered the harsh truth upon attempting to collect the motorhome – there was no motorhome, and they were not the only scam victims.
The heartless online bank transfer scam not only cost them and others a total of £42,000 but also highlighted the challenges authorities face in tracking down such sophisticated frauds.
Stolen Vehicle & Vehicle Cloning Cons
Another common scam is essentially vehicle cloning. Criminals can take the identity of a legally registered vehicle, and use it to hide that of a stolen or salvaged vehicle.
Imagine: You’ve done your research, you’ve inspected the vehicle, and you’ve handed over the money…
However, a scammer has switched the numberplates and you haven’t bought the vehicle you thought you did.
Not only could your vehicle be unsafe, you could lose it. If you are found to own a cloned motorhome or campervan, it’s likely you will lose the vehicle, and what you paid for it.
Intentional Misrepresentation Scams
There are many ways that sellers can mislead buyers. Let’s look at the three main types: Conversion Misrepresentation, Mechanical Misrepresentation, and Mileage Misrepresentation.
1. Conversion Misrepresentation
This is where you buy a second-hand camper on the understanding that it is converted to a certain standard with certain attributes, only to find you’ve been misled.
This is particularly prevalent on platforms such as Copart – a salvage car auction website. Unfortunately scammers will buy vans, perform minimal and deceptive conversions, then sell them as fully converted campervans, at amazing prices, leading buyers to think they’re getting a great deal.
However, deceptions reported have included a fake pop-up roof just attached for appearance, poor interior modifications like a piece of carpet over the original van floor without proper finishing, and standard van seats misrepresented as a “rock and roll bed” with makeshift covers, and more.
Even electrical installations – like plug sockets and LPG setups – shown in photos have turned out to be purely cosmetic, not functional.
The sellers then exploit Copart’s ‘no returns’ policy, and you’re stuck with a lemon.
2. Mechanical Misrepresentation
Perhaps the most ‘classic’ campervan scam, Mechanical Misrepresentation is where you think you are buying a roadworthy vehicle with a genuine MOT etc, only to find you’ve been misled.
Case Study: VW T4 Scam
A shocking example of a ‘Mechanical Misrepresentation Scam’ comes from YouTube stars Emma and Alex (@TravelBeans).
They bought a used green VW T4, which quickly became a nightmare when they realised it had major faults, despite passing its MOT and service.
Upon an independent mechanic’s inspection, the VW T4 was found to have 13 major faults that should have caused it to fail its MOT, making it unsafe and illegal to drive.
The mechanics even discovered that parts of the Volkswagen Transporter were held together with cable ties, including critical components like the gearbox. The vehicle was essentially a death trap.
Emma and Alex confronted the dealership for a refund, and although initially met with some resistance, the dealer agreed to take the van back.
Unfortunately not everyone is as fortunate as this when buying from a private seller or buying from a dealer.
3. Mileage Misrepresentation or Odometer Fraud
Motivated by the fact that lower mileage vehicles can command a higher selling price in the market, odometer fraudsters will alter the mileage on a camper’s odometer, illegally.
Traditionally, odometer fraud involved physically rolling back the digits. However, with modern campervan conversions, featuring digital odometers, the process has become more sophisticated.
Fraudsters now use specialised software to interface with the vehicle’s electronic system and alter the digital mileage reading. With no physical trace, this is more challenging to detect.
If you fall victim to this scam you could overpay for the vehicle, any warranty could be invalidated, and you could face costly maintenance issues.
But these are the least of your worries, vehicles that have traveled more miles than indicated might be closer to critical failures of important components like brakes, suspension, or the engine itself, posing safety risks.
If the seller has lied about the mileage, what else aren’t they telling you?
Red Flags to Look For When Buying Campervans
‘Red flags’ are the quick and dirty warning signs you can look for to help avoid scams when buying a motorhome or panel van.
From suspiciously low prices and incomplete documentation, to high-pressure sales tactics and inconsistencies in vehicle history or condition, our downloadable checklist tells you exactly what to look out for!
⬇️ Download FREE Red Flag Checklist ⬇️
Whether you’re buying from a dealership or a private seller, use our checklist to spot the signs that indicate a scam.
You’re in pursuit of wanderlust, not ‘wanderloss‘, afterall!
10+ Top Tips to Avoid Falling Victim to Common Scams
Buying a camper van, caravan, or motorhome shouldn’t be taken lightly. After all, not only do you plan to travel in it, it will also be your ‘home’ – even if for just for short breaks! Before you consider buying your next adventure wagon, it’s important to do your research.
We’ve got a whole load of top tips on how to avoid potential scams. Included in the order we recommend implementing them, they’ll help you avoid nasty surprises…
1. Research Fair Market Value for Van Life Vans
You want the best vehicle for your budget, but you don’t want to waste your time on a van that seems too good to be true.
If you’re an inexperienced buyer – looking to buy your first motorhome – it’s important to get to grips with typical market value i.e. What’s the ‘going rate’ for the kind of vehicle you’re looking for?
Without this knowledge, you’re more susceptible to vehicle and car scams. But, take your time to do your research and you could land a genuine deal!
“When I bought my first van – Manny, a VW Crafter campervan – I started a spreadsheet and listed the key attributes for every van I liked – mileage, age, make/model, and amenities/extras. This helped me get to grips with prices and to spot a realistic outlier.”
Helen – Founder of Vanlife Hub
2. Search Beyond Facebook & eBay
When you search for campervans for sale, consider other platforms besides the free ones – Facebook Marketplace, eBay and Gumtree. These are where you will find the most car scams.
The following paid platforms such are much more likely to attract high quality vans and less likely to attract scammers:
Please note: Vanlife Hub is a participant in Campervans.co.uk Affiliate Program, but we wouldn’t recommend the platform if we didn’t think it was a trustworthy place to buy and sell campers 🙂
3. Understand the Pros and Cons of Buying from a Dealer Vs. a Private Sale
There are pros and cons of buying a motorhome or converted van privately, from a dealer, or at auction.
You may find that you’ll get a better deal buying privately or at auction, but you’ll have less legal protection compared to buying from a dealer. It’s important to understand the differences so you can avoid falling victim and losing your money.
When you buy from a dealer:
You are covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This means that the vehicle must be:
- Of satisfactory quality
- Fit for purpose
- As described
If it is not, you have the right to ask for a full refund in the first 30 days (this applies to new and used vehicles).
If you have had the vehicle longer than 30 days but less than 6 months, you can request a repair or replacement (note: this does not include wear and tear, such as tyres and brakes).
Whether you purchase a vehicle online or face-to-face from a dealer, you have the same rights as those outlined above. This includes ‘Buy It Now’ on eBay.
Buying from a dealer offers greater reassurance and greater protection when it comes to handing over money – you’ll typically be able to pay by credit card, for example. We recommend this if possible, as it offers you extra protection if something goes wrong. Under Section 75 of consumer credit law in many cases you’ll be able to claim your money back.
Watch out!
Sometimes dealers will pose as a private seller in order to avoid their responsibilities. They may suggest meeting somewhere convenient, away from their usual place of business, and make excuses e.g. “I’m selling it for my mum.”
It’s a criminal offence for a dealer to pretend it’s a private sale; follow our tips below to learn how to spot this!
When you buy from a private seller:
In this instance, the only legal terms are:
- The seller must have the right to sell the vehicle.
- The vehicle should match the description given by the seller.
- The vehicle must be roadworthy.
Whether you purchase a vehicle for sale online or face-to-face from a private seller, you have the same rights as those outlined above. This includes ‘Buy It Now’ on eBay.
Watch out!
It’s is a criminal offence to sell an unroadworthy vehicle. An MOT certificate from a test several months ago is no guarantee that the vehicle is roadworthy today. This is why we wouldn’t recommend buying a vehicle without getting a professional inspection.
If you are sold a vehicle by a private seller and it transpires that it is ‘unroadworthy’, you could contact the police if you had evidence that this was done ‘knowingly’, but it is most likely to be a civil matter, to be pursued through the small claims court. This information is helpful in this regard.
When you buy online:
Many of your rights remain the same – depending on whether you are buying privately or from a dealer (see above).
However, under The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation, and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, you also have a right to cancel from the moment you place your order until 14 days from the day you collect/receive your vehicle. Once you cancel, you have 14 days to return the vehicle, and the seller then has 14 days to issue you a refund.
To be ‘buying online’ means that there is no face-to-face contact before money changes hands.
Watch out!
Even if a seller suggest taking the sale off eBay for a cheaper price, don’t do it. If something goes wrong, eBay may be be able to help and you will at least be covered under The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation, and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013.
4. Learn How to Tell your Scammers from your Sellers!
It really is the wild west out there for potential buyers! Second-hand listing scams have increased massively. Here are some insights to help you spot the good, the bad, and the downright fraudulent when you shop online for vehicles…
Look for Reviews and Feedback
Is the vehicle being sold by a business? Search for their website and look for reviews on Google and Facebook.
Hunt around for their social media profiles – do they seem genuine? Are they active? Are they communicating with people regularly and respectfully?
If it’s an individual, and the advert you’ve seen is on Facebook Marketplace or eBay, you can check their previous reviews.
Reviews can be accessed on Facebook by going to the person’s Marketplace profile, here’s how:
- From your Feed, click Marketplace in the left menu.
- Click an item for sale.
- Click the seller’s name.
Reviews will be made public once they have five or more reviews.
Check What Else they are Selling
If you are online shopping on Facebook Marketplace or eBay you can see what else a user is selling.
This is important because, if someone is presenting as a private seller, but has loads of motorhomes for sale, something’s going on.
Either they are posting false ads as part of a fake second-hand listing scam, or they are a dealership who are trying to shirk their responsibilities.
On eBay it’s simple to visit the seller’s profile to find this information. On Facebook this is a little more difficult as their standard profile won’t show this; you need to visit their Facebook Marketplace profile. Here’s how:
- From your Feed, click Marketplace in the left menu.
- Click an item for sale.
- Click the seller’s name.
Scrutinise their Social Media
Look for red flags such as newly created social media accounts, limited profile content, very few or no friends.
Use Google Lens to Search Using their Images
To use Google Lens, simply go to Google.com and click the small camera next to search box, or click here. Here, you can upload images, one by one, and Google will search for them.
If Google finds that the images show up on multiple listings from different sellers, for example, that’s a huge red flag. This would indicate that it’s a second-hand scam listing.
Google their Email Address
If communicating on eBay or Facebook, try to get the seller’s email address and Google it. Does it link to a business you weren’t aware of? Or do any forum posts appear, warning that there has been an issue?
Ask for a Live Video Tour
Ask the seller to give you an online vehicle tour on WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. Any seller should be happy to do this; if they aren’t, it’s a major red flag.
“If every potential buyer demanded a live video walkaround, scams of this type would drop to near zero!”
Jack Buster – founder of ActionScam
Ask Questions About the Vehicle
If it’s a private sale, ask where the seller has travelled in the vehicle? How long did it take to convert? Basically anything you think an owner should know, but wouldn’t usually be in an advert.
You are looking for confident, authentic answers here. Step away and reassess if this is not the case.
5. Check Records and Documentation
It’s surprising how many checks can be initiated online these days, with just the vehicles registration required.
Before you go to see a vehicle we recommend you should:
Check the DVLA Website for MOT History
Dealers are obliged to verify the accuracy of a vehicle’s mileage, before offering it for sale, but you should still do your own checks.
You can check the MOT history online with a free check. MOTs should show the mileage increasing steadily. If mileage goes down at any point, this could suggest Odometer Fraud.
If a vehicle is less than three years old, it will not have had an MOT. In which case, to remain under warranty, it should have been serviced regularly and you can request to see this documentation to check the mileage.
Additionally, when viewing the vehicle, you should check whether wear and tear is as you would expect on high use areas such as the gear stick, mats, and seats.
Insist on a New MOT
If the MOT is due in a few weeks’ time, insist on this being completed before you will buy the vehicle. Request that it is completed at a garage of your choice.
You could even offer to pay for the certificate…after all, if this is a reliable van they are selling, it should sail through. Right?
Pay for a Vehicle History Check
In-depth vehicle checks typically cost less than £10. These will tell you if the vehicle has been reported as stolen, written off or has outstanding finance (HPI). Some will also include mileage from services, allowing an additional mileage check.
6. Inspect the Vehicle in Person, at the Address it’s Registered at
Once you’re happy the seller is genuine and the vehicle definitely exists, you’re ready to go and see it. Don’t agree to meet in a car park (even if it’s convenient). Ensure you see it in person, at the address it’s registered at.
If you get any resistance – like the seller being abroad or too busy to show the vehicle in person – run like the wind! Scammers use these tactics to exploit potential buyers’ eagerness, they’ll offer you a good deal, and push for quick decisions and payments, in return for a ‘sale unseen’ situation. Chances are, this is a Fake Second-hand Listing Scam.
While you are inspecting the vehicle:
Verify the V5C (Vehicle Logbook)
Ask to see the V5C and ask for some photo ID from the owner, check the names match. The absence of a V5C document is a serious red flag; always verify it is correct and present.
Verify the VIN
A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle. It is printed on the V5C and can be found on the vehicle itself. The location of this can vary, it’s best to Google the type of van, or to call a dealer to find out where the VIN will be.
Once you have found the VIN, check it against the information on the V5C. If they do not match, this suggests could be a Stolen Vehicle Scam.
Insist on a test drive
Be sure to go on a test drive. It’s possible to pay for a single day’s insurance, or if the owner is really opposed to that, insist that they must take you for a test drive as a passenger. Ask to see hill starts, fast pull aways, and an emergency stop. Listen for strange noises.
If the owner or seller won’t allow a test drive, it’s a big red flag. This could be a Mechanical Misrepresentation Scam.
Ask to See Photos of the Conversion
If this was a self-converted van, ask to see photos of the conversion. Ask about the specific materials used for insulation and the process followed. Do your research and ensure you are happy with the answers.
If it was a professional conversion, ask for the name of the company responsible for the work and, again, do your research. Check the company’s Google reviews, website, and social media pages for evidence of quality work and happy customers.
Ask for Proof of Weight
If a campervan is heavier than its allowed payload, it can lead to serious implications, including legal penalties, safety risks, higher running costs, and potentially voiding its insurance. Therefore, it is worth asking for a weight certificate from the seller to ensure that you’re making a safe and legal purchase.
Mainly a concern for converted vans, proof of weight should include the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), the payload capacity, and weight distribution (axle weights).
GVW: The maximum weight the campervan can be, including the vehicle itself, passengers, fuel, and any cargo.
Payload Capacity: How much weight you can add to the campervan in terms of personal belongings, additional equipment, and modifications.
Axle Weight Limits: It’s not just about the total weight. Each axle of a vehicle has a maximum weight it can safely carry, known as the axle weight limit.
Proof of weight can be obtained from a public weighbridge for a small fee.
7. Hire a Mechanic to Conduct a Thorough Inspection
Arrange for an inspection by an independent engineer or services like AA or RAC. You are making a large investment, and getting a full report into the mechanical health of the vehicle will help to identify any issues. For around £100 you could save yourself £1,000’s.
If you insist on conducting an inspection independently, this is a very helpful article about how to inspect a campervan or motorhome.
8. Get a Habitation Check
A Habitation Check is less about the engine or exterior, but more about the facilities in the living area.
Specific to campervans and motorhomes, this check covers crucial aspects such as the gas, electrical, and water systems, as well as the integrity of the vehicle’s bodywork and dampness levels. It ensures that all the habitation equipment is in good working order and meets safety standards.
9. How to Pay when Buying a Motorhome or Converted Van
If you’re 100% happy once you’ve seen the vehicle and have had it inspected, it’s time to consider how to pay. The options available may depend on the type of seller you are dealing with (dealer or private), and the platform you used to find the van.
eBay
When shopping on eBay, PayPal is the norm for payments, and you’re offered a certain degree of security as long as you stick within these platforms. However, always follow the links on the listing, as opposed to a link the seller sends you. It’s a breeze for scammers to create lookalike PayPal messages.
Other Platforms
Venturing away from eBay for your purchase? Make it clear to the seller that you’re planning to pay with a credit card, a cheque, or, if push comes to shove, a bank transfer, but only after you’ve thoroughly tested the vehicle and completed any additional verifications.
If they’re pushing for cash upfront, take a closer look at the vehicle documentation – this is a red flag and they might be hiding something.
Luckily, your credit card company should have your back with financial safeguards if you find yourself ensnared by a scam. Banks, too, can show understanding in these situations but it’s not guaranteed.
Admittedly, when buying from private sellers, accepting debit or credit card payments isn’t the norm, and the uncertainty with cheques – they can either bounce back or be stopped is real. Therefore, they might prefer a direct transfer or cash.
In this case, it’s so important that you ensure the vehicle matches its description perfectly before you complete the transaction. Investing in an independent evaluation of the vehicle is not just wise; it’s essential.
Warning!
If someone pressures you to send money before the moment you go to collect the vehicle, this should ring alarm bells.
You might be happy to agree to pay a small deposit after you have seen the van in person, but keep it to £100 max, and ignore talk of a ‘holding account’. It’s very unlikely that you’ll ever see your money again if they promise to put your money into a holding account…this is basically fiction.
10. Trust your instincts
And, finally, walk away if something doesn’t feel right. If it seems to good to be true, it usually is.
What to do if You Encounter Something Suspicious when Buying a Campervan
If you encounter a scam when buying a campervan, it’s not only important to seek compensation through your bank or credit card provider, it’s also crucial to take immediate action to help others avoid falling victim to similar fraudulent activities.
Report it to Action Fraud
Firstly, report the incident to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. They will help in investigating the case and potentially stopping the fraudsters.
Report it to the Advertising Platform
Secondly, report the scam to the platform on which it was advertised – eBay, Facebook etc, so they can cancel the user’s profile.
Consider Approaching ActionScam
ActionScam is an organisation that has a ‘93% success rate in getting money back for vehicle scam victims’. They work on a No-Win/No-Fee basis (with a low fee).
Please note Vanlife Hub does not endorse or have any connection to ActionScam; other options may be available.
Share your Experience & Warn Others
Additionally, sharing your experience on forums and social media platforms can help raise awareness about the specific scam you encountered.
Remember, being vocal about scams not only helps in curbing fraudulent activities but also creates a more informed and vigilant community of buyers.
Conclusion
Navigating the journey of purchasing campervans, caravans, and motorhomes can be both exciting and daunting, particularly with the presence of various scams such as fake listings on Facebook Marketplace, stolen vehicle frauds, and intentional misrepresentation.
Being equipped with knowledge of common scams and understanding the red flags can significantly reduce your chances of getting scammed. Our comprehensive guide, coupled with a FREE Red Flag Checklist and top tips has given you everything you need to take a vigilant approach.
Remember, the joy of exploring in your campervan or motorhome is within reach! We hope your adventure can begin in confidence, with complete peace of mind, and nothing but the surprises you’ll discover on the open road!
🌟 This guide shares our best knowledge about how to avoid the current, most popular scams that affect campervans and motorhomes. If there is anything you’d like us to add, please let us know in the comments.
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