Car Boot Sale Scams

First of all, you're probably never going to have to worry about car boot sale scams or scammers if you are just holding a one-off boot sale stall.

The last thing we want to do is put people off going to car boot sales! However, we want everyone to have a good day and enjoy their local car boot sale and so it's best to be wise to the scams that do go on.

In my experience, if you are selling at a Car Boot sale, the best way to avoid most of the scams is to do a stall with a friend or a relative. If one of you is distracted the other can still keep an eye on the stall.

If you are buying then just apply some sensible sceptisism, if somethings too good to be true, it probably is, so think twice.

    So here's the most common Car Boot Sale Scams to watch out for

The BOXER

This used to just happen at markets but is now becoming more common at car boot sales. This is where a buyer agrees to buy an item, usually new, and is then given a boxed item. When the buyer gets home and opens the box they find the item is either damaged, faulty or replaced with a item of lesser value. A good example is a laptop computer that may have no insides.The Seller never reappears at the boot sale and the buyer can never trace them for a refund.

To avoid this scam simply ask for the item you actually looked at or open the box infront of the seller. If you are not totally satisfied ask for an immediate refund or do not complete the sale. If you do complete the sale ask for a receipt and 'log' the vehicles registration number plate at the bottom. 

The FAKER

Markets and car boot sales seem to be a favourite place for passing on fake bank notes. The fake bank note trick. This either simply involves someone trying to pass you a fake note in payment or protesting that you have given them a fake bank note. It can also often involve someone asking you to change up a note for them.

You can avoid being caught in this scam by carefully checking all larger notes (£10+) infront of the person or by buying and using a standard £2.99 bank note detector pen. If you believe someone is trying to pass fake bank notes please inform a marshal. 

The Distractor

 This is a method employed by 'gangs'. Uknown to the victim several people are involved and it usually starts with one or two individuals creating a distraction that causes the seller to be caught off guard. In most cases other gang members will attempt to steal something from your stall or even from your vehicle. They are usually long gone before you realise you have been scammed.

The best way to avoid this scam is firstly to accept that what is happening may be a distraction tactic.

To protect your valuables make sure your vehicles doors are locked when not in immediate use. Place any valuable items that you have for sale in a central location where you can keep an eye on them. Do not move from that point even if you are in a heated discussion. If you are concerned that you are involved in a distraction scam then raise your voice to attract other people, this will put the gang off as they will not want to be noticed. 

The Juggler.

This a when a buyer picks up several items at a time, putting some back down on the stall and then picking up more. In the mean time they'll 'umm and ahh' over the prices. The idea is to confuse or even distract the seller enabling the jugglar or an accomplice to steal from the stall. The jugglar scam works well because it appears innocent and as a seller you are pleased at the prospect of making a multi-sale. It is also easy to be distracted while someone is holding handfuls of your property.

To avoid this scam you must be on the ball and above all else in control. After all it is your stall and your property. Firstly check along your stall and see if anyone else is handling valuable items. If so speak to them in a clear authoritive voice letting them know you are aware of them. Eg, 'Hello there, I am asking £20 for that Timex Watch.' If they are innocent they'll appreciate the information and if they are not then they will be put off by being clearly acknowledged. 

Then disarm the juggler (remember they are probably a genuine buyer). Say something like, 'O.k, you've a few bits there lets see what's the best price I can do for you.' Take back all the items and say a price for each item. If the buyer agrees then hand them back one by one. If they 'umm and ahh' then put them back on the table closer to you. Now you are in control.

The STRIPPER

This a common scam and plays on the sellers conscious. By law you do have to provide a refund if an item is not as described when you sold it. On this basis some people buy an item, take it away and remove the parts they need! They then return and complain that it is incomplete or not working and demand a refund.

This is a tricky one! The only way to avoid handing back the money in exchange for a now useless item is to use receipts that state 'SOLD AS SEEN'. Even then they do not legaly cover you against having to give a refund. If you are selling an item that could be stripped for parts then use a 'Sold as Seen' receipt and get the buyer to sign a copy of acceptance for you. You can use a little note pad. If the buyer is unwilling to do this then perhaps it's best not to sell them the item.

The Palmist

This is probably the most common way of losing items from your stall. The palmist is a opportunist thief. One moment they may be handling an item the next moment they are gone and so has the item. These types of thiefs usually strike just before they leave the boot sale so it is normally impossible to catch them.

It is very hard to stop this type of thief. They can be brazen or sneaky and they rely on you not noticing there actions. They usually strike when you are distracted.

The best way to avoid losing valuable items is to make sure you have an eye on them at all times. If someone is taking a keen interest in your valuable item then don't be distracted by someone at the other end of the stall holding out a 20p for another item. Make the other buyer bring the 20p to you! Engage in conversation with the buyer intrested in valuable item - let them know you are aware they are taking an interest in your item.

THE PICK-POCKET

In recent years there has been a significant increase in professional pick-pockets. These people, often working in gangs and including younger children, target busy areas and events. They are only too pleased to use clever techniques to relieve people of wallets and purses. Please be sensible and keep your valuables safely out of the way of their thieving hands.

If you are aware of any other scams or incidents that fellow car booters should be aware off then please email us at ruspercarbootsale@hotmail.co.uk