15 Tips to Avoid Caravan Holiday Scammers

Is the price too good to be true? If it seems cheap, there is probably a good reason. It is very possible the seller is out to make a quick buck. Compare the price against other owners' prices. Too cheap, walk away.

Ask for various dates and prices. If they seem to have every date available without reasonable explanation, question the veracity of the listing. If you're looking for a peak date, they sell quickly and not cheaply. Be wary.

Check out the seller's profile. It is an established profile with a good number of friends, group links, etc. Or, is it a new profile potentially set up with the intention of scamming people? Always do your due dilligence checks and never ever respond to an unsolicited message. Well run holiday groups will insist owners include a link to the property and that direct messaging is not permitted. If you're DM'd without invitation - IGNORE!

Does the caravan owner have any reviews to give them more credibility? Do some research before you part with your cash.

An owner should know their caravan and park well and should be able to confidently answer any questions.

Scrutinise the images. Are they watermarked? If they are not, they may well be stolen and this raises a red flag. Do they look like they are all from the same caravan? Do they look like they have all been taken by the same person? Google other

Ignore any claims that the owner is verified on their advert. Parks don't verify owners. The only bone-fide list of owners that have to prove their ownership annually is run by a group of staunch scammer hunters. To check your owner out, visit the Facebook FBS Verified Owner Group.

How do they want you to pay? Be wary of requests to bank transfer as there is little recourse to recover your money. If you are given bank details, do some basic checks to ensure it isn't linked to some kind of payment card or obscure bank. The safest way is by debit or credit card.

The caravan community is a close knit one and many owners know each other. If you're not sure, ask on a well-run caravan page or contact the admin.

Perform some basic searches on the owner's name online and in social media. Do they strike you as a bone-fide owner?

Do they have formal and robust terms and conditions? If not, be cautious.

Do they use a formal booking system and have a website? Will you get any receipts or paperwork to confirm your payment and booking? If not, run.

Are they members of NACO - the National Association of Caravan Owners?

I cringe every time I see a holidaymaker's advert that says they are looking for 'cheap'. It is human nature for all of us to want the best deal but by asking for cheap, you are opening yourself up to a potential scammer. Cheap is a scammers paradise as this gives them the opportunity to private message you on social media with a low cost 'deal', take your deposit and disappear. Money down the drain and not so cheap in the long run.

Where did you see the advert? Was it on a site that is free to list on? If so, do you checks even more thoroughly. Advertising on free sites means the scammer has had no outlay, they've not had to pay in the region of £50-80 to list an advert. There are many bone-fide caravan hire websites and Facebook groups that are strictly moderated. Always, always, exercise due dilligence, take your time to check out the owner/seller to be sure they're genuine.