Fish-scented classifieds

[davejbur]

Hi,

Bit of background... I have been on the lookout for a motorhome for a while now, and have seen a number on Ebay and elsewhere over the last few months. A couple we have been to see, but for various reasons we have not yet made a purchase. however, we keep an eye on what is available, as we have a good idea of what we're after, if only one was available closer to us!

Anyway, when running a search today, a large number have suddenly appeared in classifieds from a seller apparently based in Armagh, NI (so no good for us, in the middle of England). However:

- the address given by the seller is a farm in the middle of nowhere

- the company name given by the seller is that of the motorhome manufacturer

- the seller has previously only sold much smaller items (e.g. clothing - certainly not vehicles)

- the photos for each motorhome are taken on different sales forecourts (comparing buildings in the background)

- one motorhome at least I'm 99% sure was previously offered for sale by a seller based in Devon - I recognise the numberplate and the Armagh seller has even re-used the same photos

- all the motorhomes are much cheaper than the going rate for the age/mileage (half the price)

- all the adverts request that the potential buyer provide a mobile number for further discussion

On the basis of all the above, I smell not just a fish, but a whole trawlerload. There is clearly some sort of scam being attempted here - I'm not sure what, but there seems to be no way of raising an alert.

I asked a similar question a while ago regarding another completely different item, but didn't really get anywhere - the main contention then seemed to be that I'd mentioned the name of the seller. Quite how you can raise a flag on a seller without mentioning their name is beyond me but there you go.

If Ebay starts filling up with scammers it'll end up like another major e-commerce website where I often have reasonable doubt in what's being advertised.

Regards,

Dave

[arkwebus · Accepted solution]

Oh yes.  The trawler is there. They will tell you about eBay's scheme where they hold the money ["escrow"] till you are happy. That they will deliver it and so on.   All lies

If they are using the manufacturers name then you could do them a service by reporting it to the manufacturer.  

If you report a seller's name in posts like this then - indeed - eBay takes a dim view of that [libel?]

@davejbur 

[davejbur · Accepted solution]

Thanks - in this case, the approach to the manufacturer is probably the best option. The company name being used is actually an old one - the manufacturer concerned now has a slightly different name, but the old one (as used by the Armagh seller) is still registered to the same address, and listed as dormant.

[fargvs]

Beware ... many of those vehicles may not even exist and without extreme care, you will almost certainly be scammed !. 

For information ... eBay do not hold deposits or offer a Trial period, Escrow or Delivery service for a Vehicle which may not even exist ... Do not pay anything including a holding deposit until you have checked HPI, having seen and examined the Vehicle personally.

Cash on inspection/collection is the safest and best payment method for vehicles ... or ... mutually agreed Bank Transfer after you have seen, examined the vehicle and agreed the purchase, the seller then releases the Vehicle and documents to you ...

No PayPal payments including holding deposits should be made as there is absolutely No Buyer payment protection offered for Collection items/Vehicles.