How can I make sure payment is safe when I sell?
The short answer
Only release the vehicle and its documents when the money is confirmed in your account, check who you are dealing with, keep written records of what was agreed, and refuse any arrangement involving overpayments, third-party payers or pressure to complete quickly.
Written by Caravan2Cash buying team, Caravan and motorhome buyers. Published 2026-01-12, last reviewed 2026-01-12.
Before the vehicle moves
- Confirm funds in your own account — not a screenshot or a pending notice
- Check the buyer's name, address and, for a business, its registered details
- Agree in writing what is included and what the figure is
- Keep the CRiS document or V5C until payment is settled
Arrangements to refuse
- Payment from someone other than the buyer, with no explanation
- An offer above the agreed figure with a request to refund the difference
- A deposit now and the balance after collection
- Pressure to complete before your bank has confirmed anything
If you think something is wrong
Contact your bank immediately and report suspected fraud to Action Fraud. Do not send any money back until your bank confirms the original payment is genuine and settled.
Selling privately carries the most risk
Most payment problems reported by owners come from private sales, where a stranger arrives at the house, wants the vehicle and its documents the same day, and offers a payment method you cannot verify on the spot.
- Faster Payments usually arrive within minutes, but confirm it in your own banking app
- Building society cheques and bankers' drafts can be forged and take days to clear
- Never accept part payment with the balance promised after collection
- Keep the keys until the funds show as received, not pending
Official sources
General information only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Check the official source for your situation.
Related questions
What should you do next?
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