LEARN ABOUT SCAMMERS!
It is very unfortunate that once the door opens to a broad range of possible buyers through internet commerce it also opens to scammers.
The best thing to do is be aware of how they work, how to identify a scam, and what they do to get your information or money. Though you can get a funny feeling at first, the scammers are getting more clever too. More often than not you can TRUST YOUR GUT!
We have set up this page to give you examples of some of the scams that have been reported to us from folks like you who have posted a classified ad with Latitude 38.
The first thing to know is that these scammers hit right away! If you get a call, text or email within the first 24 -48 hours of posting your ad, the likelihood of its being a scammer is high. So that’s your first clue. If you feel like it could be authentic, you can pursue it but be vigilant! If they:
- want to send a representative to see your boat as they, for whatever reason, can't
- ask you if it is still available (after you just posted it!)
- ask to come down in price
These are red flags. DO NOT RESPOND and block the number/email.
The craftiest one so far is the “buyer” would like you to get a “history report”. They will recommend a website where you can submit your boat details, your details and (!) your card information for the $50-$75 “report.” Once you get a request for a report you can assume you have a scammer. DO NOT RESPOND. DO NOT PAY FOR A REPORT. If they absolutely insist on having one, suggest that they purchase it. One example of a website is boathullrecords.com.
EXAMPLES of scammer communications:
- THE HISTORY REPORT: From "Anthony Smith <[email protected]”
A history report of a boat is a document that provides detailed information about the vessel's background. It typically includes details like the boat's construction, ownership changes, maintenance records, any accidents or damages, and its overall condition. This report helps potential buyers or owners understand the boat's past, ensuring they make informed decisions.
Well, you can get one easily. I sold my Ericson and got a report for it from a reliable source. The report was quite accurate and satisfactory. I can show you the report. It is way cheaper than a survey and costs around 60-70 bucks only. I will reimburse you for its cost once we meet and finalize the deal. You just need the hull number to order a report. It hardly takes 5 minutes to do that. It would be great if you get me the report from the same provider. Let me know if you want me to send you their link so that you order the report.
- SENDING MONEY: From "Edwards Ronald<[email protected]” (note the lack of English language skill - not always an indicator, but should be alerting)
I want you to do me a favor as you receive the check you will get it deposited because if you return it back is of no use to me, and since the boat has been sold there is nothing I can do about it; but i will huge you to get it deposited because they have made the payment out to you, i will get back to you with the info that you will send the money to after it get cleared and i will compensate you with some of amount of money for the stress. Thanks.
The check has been delivered to you since January 25, 2025, 1:49 pm.
It has been delivered to the address you sent to me […]
And these are the USPS tracking details: …
- These are the most common scammer questions:
"I want to know if your Boat is still available? Do get back to me with more details, last asking price with any available picture. As for the payment, do you accept Bank Cashier's Check? I have a reliable carrier who will come to your location for the pick up after payment, Timothy."
The information doesn’t stop here! There are a multitude of websites available about how to spot a scam and what not to do. If you have a hunch, follow that hunch!
If you want to report the email to us, send it to [email protected] with SCAMMER in the subject line. We will block their email from this end. This does not stop them from contacting you, but lets them know we are on to this particular email and they will not be able to sign in to our site with that email any longer. So … they’ll get another.
Be aware. Don’t give out information (including “verifying your phone number,” providing any codes sent to you, etc). Meet the person, never work through a third party or “agent.” Use only secure payment sites.
If you want further reading, this site appears to have good information: https://www.boat-alert.com/blog/scams-against-boat-sellers/
Ongoing list of scammers’ names, emails and phone numbers (which of course change all the time!):
Anthony Smith [email protected]
Jason Smith [email protected] 304-220-4557
Timothy Lynn [email protected]
Edwards Ronald [email protected]
Anthony Smith [email protected]
