By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, Andrew Steele highlights an RV scam targeting motorcoach owners on Facebook Marketplace.
Andrew says RV scams targeting motorcoach owners are becoming more and more clever these days, especially on Facebook groups. It can be tough to tell what’s real and what’s not. Recently, he spotted a suspicious post in a New Coach Owners group. He knew right away it was a scam and wanted to share how he figured it out.
So, how did this scam work? Someone named Cameron Michaelson made a post in the New Coach Owners Group. He was offering chrome mirrors for sale. It seemed like a good deal, especially for new coach owners looking to save some money. But there were some big warning signs.
The first thing Andrew noticed was that the comment section was turned off. Why would someone do that if they had a legit offer? It prevents savvy members from calling out the scam.
Then, Andrew checked out Cameron Michaelson’s profile. At first glance, it looked normal.
• The profile pictures seemed to show a nice family man.
• But something was off. There was almost no activity. Very few likes or comments on posts, even baby pictures. Who doesn’t like a baby picture?
• The profile picture had foreign license plates displayed. It just didn’t add up.
Calling the scammer
To dig deeper, Andrew decided to call the phone number provided by “Cameron Michaelson”. What happened next was pretty revealing. The offer was mirrors for $350, including shipping. But as the call went on, things got weird and there were several things that didn’t make sense:
• Changing prices: At first, the scammer said the mirrors were $250. Then, suddenly, they were $350.
• Vague shipping details: The scammer said they would be shipped in 24-48 hours. Then, they mentioned overnight shipping.
• Unclear location: The scammer claimed to be in South Dakota, but said the mirrors would be shipped from Indiana.
• Excuses for not meeting in person: The scammer didn’t want to meet in person. They claimed to be in South Dakota. Then, they said the mirrors were with neighbors.
• Payment request to a different name: The scammer wanted the payment sent to someone named Louise Rios.
• Conflicting stories about relationships: At one point, the scammer said Louise Rios was his girlfriend. Later, he said she was his wife.
• Implausible scenario: The scammer claimed to be at the hospital but still trying to sell mirrors.
How to protect yourself from Facebook Marketplace RV scams
So, how can you avoid these scams? Here are some tips:
1. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Be careful of sellers who avoid direct questions or give vague answers.
3. Be cautious when someone doesn’t want you to pay with normal methods. This is a major red flag.
4. Never send money to someone you don’t trust or haven’t met in person.
Specific advice for motorcoach owners
• Be cautious of deals in owners’ groups. Scammers target these communities.
• It’s best to deal with trusted businesses.
• Make sure you have a way to get your money back if something goes wrong.
Red Flags Checklist
Want a quick way to spot a scam? Use this checklist:
• Comment section is turned off on the post.
• Seller profile has limited engagement (likes, comments) or friends.
• Price changes during the conversation.
• Seller provides vague shipping details.
• Seller avoids meeting in person.
• Payment requested to a different name.
• Conflicting stories or details provided.
• Seller pressures for quick payment.
When Andrew called out the scammer, things got ugly. The scammer started using aggressive language and even made threats. Andrew blocked the scammer right away. It’s important to stop talking to people if you think they’re trying to scam you.
Scams are becoming more common. It’s important to be aware and take steps to protect yourself.
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RVDT2638
Thank you for sharing Andrew’s video and the ways to determine if a deal is shady, Cheri! This is helpful. Have a great day and safe travels!
Very simple.. stay away from any so called “marketplace” or any other stupid social media junk. That’s what’s wrong with America now.
Another way to check for scams is to look at their profile and see how long ago they joined facebook or marketplace. If it’s only been a short time, ignore the post. You can also report the site as a possible scam.
I’ve bought and sold items on Marketplace for several years and haven’t had any issues. My main criteria is that I Have to see it in person before any money exchanges hands. If I can’t see the item in person then I figure it is a scam. Also, I only shop in a 150 mile radius of my home, so I can easily view in person.
It’s across all areas on Facebook. We were recently shopping for a new pup and they are all over. Much same as the mirrors red flags all over. Profiles are vague, won’t talk on phone, short times on FB, friends they show no profiles, no jobs, locations vague. FB seems to do nothing if report them as scams. Can’t stand to sell on marketplace either, just as bad
If you do not use social media platforms, you can avoid most scams out there.
Years ago when I was having an argument back-and-forth with a friend on Facebook, my wife said to me, are you really enjoying this, and I looked at her and thought and said “no I’m not”. After getting off Facebook and not wasting that time, I may miss a few pictures and things from other people, but overall, I’m a lot happier and certainly not getting scammed, from anything that is presented on that media site.