Friday, November 7, 2014

Scam Alert! RV Buyers Beware

I'm looking to buy a Motorhome. Class C or Class A, doesn't really matter, but something large enough to call home when I'm not using employee housing at a cool location, or on the trail living in a tent.

Class A motorhomes resemble a bus. They have huge wrap around windows. Class C look like a pick-up truck with a wide camper installed and over the cab bed.

Craigslist is a popular site. Anyone can list their stuff. Within just a few days, I've responded to two adds, both "steals."
The owner will reply saying the motor home can not be seen in person. Its ready for shipment, NOW. You buy it through E-bay, using their Protection Plan. Supposedly, after giving them basic information, the owner will create an E-bay listing where you will simply click on the Buy It Now button.

Probably, E-bay and Craigslist are completely innocent of this process. Its nearly believable. The owner promises everything is in working order and if, upon receipt of this immaculate RV, you find it is not, you can get a full refund.

Yeah, and I'm Santa Claus.
Ask yourself, how can this 'owner' sell a 2000 Winnebago for $9,000, class A, ship it from Utah, to Idaho, pay the fees, gas and e-bay commission, and still make any money.
I had a nearly identical RV owner from Denver, offering the same deal. When I offered to fly down and see it in person, and pay cash, she reiterated it was ready for shipping and had to sell it on E-bay.

The question arises: How can it be ready for shipping yet the thing hasn't even been listed at E-bay? Wouldn't you just take the thing to a consignment dealer? Surely they'd sell it locally if it was so sweet.

The fact I have two owners spilling the same story, details slightly different, in just a couple days, made me feel the need to post this warning.
Yeah, once again, I think I'll just shop locally.


1 comment:

  1. If it sounds too good to be true beware, a fool and his money will part.

    ReplyDelete