Selling your boat - watch out for scammers

It seems our class is now so mainstream that we are now seeing some people selling their boats are being targeted by scammers.

It is the responsibility of each person selling their boat to ensure that they are happy with the buyer & the method of payment.

Given the specialist nature of our boats I suggest a few simple questions asking what they sail presently & what club they are from will soon weed out the scammers.

With regards payment again it's up to you what you'd accept.

Personally I will only accept cash (in banking hours so I can bank it whilst the buyer is there to check it's not forged) or an electronic transfer that my bank has verified is cleared & can't be reversed. I would not accept a cheque or a bankers draft.

Of course if I am selling to a friend from my local club I may be a bit more flexible ...

It is sad that we have to be of suspicious of potential buyers but if you explain then I am sure the genuine ones will understand.

BOTTOM LINE ... if the buyer is not known to you then beware. Make sure you are happy with the payment method before you allow someone to drive off with your boat.

The MPSCA accepts no responsibility for the quality of buyers who may respond to your ads on this web site.

These pages may help with more info:

http://www.boatsville.com/fraud_prevention_tips.cfm

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36576

http://boards.fool.co.uk/boat-buying-scam-8204229.aspx?sort=postdate