The Camper Van Scam is a simple act of fraud carried out under the guise of a second hand car transaction. Let’s not beat around the bush, this is nothing more than a con.

How does it work?

An advert is posted online, usually advertising something that looks like a bit of a bargain. Take this one, for example:

2005 Fiat Ducato Camper Van – £5000

LOVELY CONDITION / FULL SERVICE HISTORY / LOCALLY OWNED / TWO OWNERS / 40,000 MILES

This Swift Suntor 590PR includes special paintwork, grey bumpers, alloy wheels, roof rack with ladder, full awning. It has a large double bunk over the cab which can be raised when travelling. The rear lounge can seat six people easily around the table and converts to a generous double bed at night. There is a separate shower room with vanity unit and cassett toilet. Thel kitchen area has a full oven & grill, hob with three gas and one electric plates, large fridge with freezer compartment and a sink unit with hot/cold mixer tap. There is a wardrobe with 10 litre hot water system below. Also warm air heating and gas/electric convector heater. All windows are double glased with fly screens and pull down blinds. There are two 13 amp power points and TV aerial point. Front passenger captains revolving seat. Side door electric step. large 40 gallon water tank and similar waste water tank give full freedom. Included are twin gas cylinders, power connecting cables

So we contacted the seller to find out more…

… and here’s what happened next:

Sounds fair enough, I thought… Cash is king.

It starts to sound suspicious…

So we made a reasonable request…

But ‘Amy’ doesn’t have a phone…

So, just to recap…

And it appears this is where the honest people get ensnared…

But we’re old school. Cash is still king…

But she’s not biting…

Time for another reasonable request in any car sales transaction…

But ‘Amy’ has lost her cameraphone…

So we introduce Good Shout Trev…

But she doesn’t want a date with Good Shout Trev…

So, let’s just recap again…

Is ‘Amy’ getting bored yet?

But once again, cash is always king. And so is Good Shout Trev…

Amy still doesn’t want to meet Good Shout Trev… Awwww….

So let’s clarify all of this one more time…

As at September 11th, Amy’s gone quiet, Good Shout Trev is crying, and it looks like the Good Shout Media end of summer party is going to be in a two man tent, the same as last year. Oh well.

Ah, so ‘Amy’ still hasn’t twigged that we’re having fun… There’s more: