Don’t Be Fooled By These RV Scams

Share:

RV With peak camping season upon us, everyone is craving the fresh air freedom that an RV can provide.  Unfortunately, the demand for outdoor recreational vehicles outpaces the supply which leaves local RV dealerships selling both used and new at record pace but with limited inventory to replenish their lots.

Due to the inventory shortage, some people are turning to purchase their RV via the internet.  As potential buyers are busy trying to find a bargain, online scammers are busy baiting their next victim.

 Here are a few helpful tips from our friends at the Better Business Bureau on how to avoid falling for an online RV scam:

  • Research the seller.  You can use a website tracker to learn about when their website was created along with contact information to help you determine the seller’s authenticity and security.
  • Pay using a traceable method, like a Sentinel FCU credit card. You can dispute the payment later if the sale is fraudulent.  Avoid wire transfers.
  • Cross-check information on the seller’s website, including contact information and location.  Give the company a quick call to make sure it is their actual number and look up the address using Google Maps.
  • If you are dealing with a transporter or broker, make sure they include their Motor Carrier (MC) Docket Number on their website.  This can be verified with the Department of Transportation’s SAFER website.
  • Photos of an RV can be deceiving.  Usually, an ad with one photo is a red flag.  Instead of viewing photos, request Facetime interviews or live walk-through videos.  During those interviews, ask lots of questions about the unit and its history, including the manufacture’s VIN.
  • Cross-check the RV’s value.  When a deal looks like it’s too good to be true, it usually isn’t the real deal.
  • Check the Better Business Bureau to see if the seller has a business profile and also scan BBB’s Scam Tracker.

Be safe out there and protect yourself from these RV scams.  If you’re in the market for an RV, you can increase your buying power by getting preapproved with Sentinel FCU.

-Article tips courtesy of the Better Business Bureau.

Other News & Updates

Check out other recent Credit Union and Financial News & Updates.

What Our Members Say About Us

Chris P

Member

“If you’re in the Rapid City area and you’re looking to drop the elbow off the top rope, Macho Man style, then look to Sentinel Federal Credit Union! Their customer service is off the hook and when you call you never get a robot or an automated answering machine! I don’t think I’ll trust another big bank with my money for as long as I live! By the way, I don’t even live in South Dakota!”

Joe M

Member

“We have several credit unions that got lost in the mix during a move–our bad. However, out of all of those credit unions, SFCU went OUT OF THEIR WAY to ensure we knew our account was dormant and helped us through the process of getting the account back on track. They also refunded every fee taken for dormant status. After losing more money than I’d like to admit from other institutions, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the customer service of Sentinel FCU.”

Bret R

Member

“I have been using Sentinel for almost 30 years, and my family has been just as long! I purposely make the extra drive to the Radar Hill Branch with Nate working there! Not only has he always been on the ball of my personal account, but my business account! He has resolved issues with other banks in a timely manner when he didn’t have to! Every time I go on he always has a smiling face and is easy to work with.”

Joshua K.

Member

“Been a loyal member for years! Keep your account positive and make your payments. If life happens keep them updated, as they have ways of working with you. I am glad they are a part of my financial family.”