Best way to protect against SCAMs when selling RV

[NYJoe]

I'm looking to sell my travel trailer because of restrictions at our new townhouse development we'll be moving into. Will consider storage at the end of the season if not sold but in the meantime I'm looking to sell. What's the best advice for not getting scammed. I figure a certified bank check would probably be the best way to go. Are there any other scam proof methods to collect payment that I should consider?
Thanks.

[Kipkeller]

Cash

[Wiscampsin1]

I would suggest completing all financial transactions at your bank.

[NYJoe]

Originally Posted by Kipkeller

Cash

Yeah, cash is king but not many folks walk around with that kind of money.

[69Stang]

Meet them at their bank. Have them complete a withdrawal into a certified check with the money they just withdrew.

[dons2346]

Wiring the money is the safest way to transfer funds. I can print cashiers checks all day long

[Tachdriver]

Face-to-face transactions.

None of this "I'm buying your travel trailer for my father in the States but I live and work overseas". They send you a check for a greater amount than you're asking and want you to pony up the difference in cash. That way you're feeling confident of the seller, he then as some if your cash and the trailer, his check was bogus.

I've never had an issue using cashiers checks or wiring money.

Somebody who really wants your trailer will make an effort to see it personally.

[vseasport]

Originally Posted by dons2346

Wiring the money is the safest way to transfer funds. I can print cashiers checks all day long

X's2 for the wire.

I flew to Missoula to look at the rig we bought. Liked what I saw, wired the money then we went to DMV and transferred title.

When I bought my Jeep the owner wouldn't accept a wire and wanted a cashiers check. He checked with his bank and they told him the wire was golden so he shifted gears.

[Kipkeller]

Originally Posted by NYJoe

Yeah, cash is king but not many folks walk around with that kind of money.

If they have enough for a cashiers check or to wire, they must have access to cash. They are all equally available and I would prefer cash. If someone would rather give me a check of any sort or wire me the money, I would be extremely suspicious.
I’ve paid cash for all of my trailers (4), from $1800 to $15,000. It’s easy to withdraw the money from the bank. If you have it, that is.

[mtofell]

98% + of the problems can be avoided by insisting face to face transactions. Don't respond to people texting/emailing with longwinded stories about illness and other problems. I've asked to see a person's driver license/ID card and offered mine to them. Anyone not willing to do this probably has a reason why they don't want to. Realistically, it's pretty easy to weed out the scammers. Just pay attention and trust your gut.

[Winemaker2]

Originally Posted by dons2346

Wiring the money is the safest way to transfer funds. I can print cashiers checks all day long

CORRECT ANSWER
Ask your banker what's safest and I'll bet this is the answer.
Bank Checks, money orders, even cash can be duplicated and bounce.

[Winemaker2]

Originally Posted by mtofell

98% + of the problems can be avoided by insisting face to face transactions. Don't respond to people texting/emailing with longwinded stories about illness and other problems. I've asked to see a person's driver license/ID card and offered mine to them. Anyone not willing to do this probably has a reason why they don't want to. Realistically, it's pretty easy to weed out the scammers. Just pay attention and trust your gut.

Basically I agree but interesting story...
When upgrading our MH I also chose to upgrade our Toad.
Advertised here on iRV2 and others willing to sell as a package. Low mikeage Toad, tow bar and Brake Buddy... turn key Toad for someone.

Got a txt expressing interest from a party 1500 mi away and asked some questions but said they would arrange pick up.
By Scam alarm went off and I told them to call me, which he did.
Sounded sincere, said he just purchased his first used MH (hadn't taken delivery yet) and wanted to get into a Toad w/o spending a fortune. I sent more pics, explained some dings & deficiencies and was OK w it. I got name address & a bit of other info and could verify him online.
Told him I'd accept wire transfer before it left my property, which went smoothly.

Lesson learned.... sometimes things that smell fishy at the outset can turn out OK. Glad we were both persistent and found common ground to complete the deal.

[mtofell]

Originally Posted by Winemaker2

Basically I agree but interesting story...
When upgrading our MH I also chose to upgrade our Toad.
Advertised here on iRV2 and others willing to sell as a package. Low mikeage Toad, tow bar and Brake Buddy... turn key Toad for someone.

Got a txt expressing interest from a party 1500 mi away and asked some questions but said they would arrange pick up.
By Scam alarm went off and I told them to call me, which he did.
Sounded sincere, said he just purchased his first used MH (hadn't taken delivery yet) and wanted to get into a Toad w/o spending a fortune. I sent more pics, explained some dings & deficiencies and was OK w it. I got name address & a bit of other info and could verify him online.
Told him I'd accept wire transfer before it left my property, which went smoothly.

Lesson learned.... sometimes things that smell fishy at the outset can turn out OK. Glad we were both persistent and found common ground to complete the deal.

Yeah, texting is a big thing with scams these days. I do home inspections for work and my industry is absolutely overrun with scammers texting to setup an appointment and wanting to overpay and have us send the money to another service (mold inspector, pool inspector, etc.). The funny thing is every one starts out the same way.... "Hi, I'm Andre....." Only the name changes. The broken English us usually the first giveaway.

One of the guys I chat with plays along has the scammers mail him checks to cost them a few bucks. He recently got them to make one out to "Harry Paratestes".

[TXiceman]

Bank to bank wire transfer. When your bank verifies the funds to your account, sign over the title with the keys. Bank or certified checks can be easily forged.

When I was trying to see some items on Face Book Market Place, I mostly got scammers. They wanted it right away at full or higher price and wanted to have an agent pick it up with them delivering a "certified Check". No dice Jose.

Ken