How can I avoid scams when selling a caravan or motorhome?
The short answer
Never release the vehicle or its documents until cleared funds are in your account, be wary of overpayment offers, part-payment deposits and pressure to hand over the CRiS document or V5C early, and confirm the buyer's identity and business details independently before anything moves.
Written by Caravan2Cash buying team, Caravan and motorhome buyers. Published 2026-01-12, last reviewed 2026-01-12.
Payment safeguards
- Wait for funds to clear in your account — not a screenshot, a payment notification or a pending transfer
- Treat any offer to pay more than the agreed figure as a warning sign
- Be cautious with cheques, banker's drafts and third-party payments from someone other than the buyer
- Never refund an overpayment before the original payment has genuinely cleared
Identity and paperwork
- Confirm the buyer's name and address, and keep a record
- For a company, check the registered details independently rather than trusting a website alone
- Do not hand over the CRiS document, V5C or keys before payment is settled
- Keep copies of everything you sign and note the date, mileage and who collected the vehicle
Viewings and test drives
- Have someone with you, and let others know when a viewing is happening
- Check licence and insurance before anyone tows or drives your vehicle
- Do not leave valuables or documents inside during a viewing
If something feels wrong
Stop and take your time — pressure to act quickly is itself a warning sign. Suspected fraud can be reported to Action Fraud, and your own bank should be told immediately if you think a payment is not genuine.
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?
Send us the vehicle details and the buying team will call you to talk a figure through. It is free, and there is no obligation to sell.
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