Car boot sales are an amazing place to buy and sell fabulous and rare antiques, collectibles, and household items. While the majority of people are there for a good old-fashioned bargain hunt and many are genuinely making a living honestly buying and selling items, sadly, there is a small element at every single car boot sale that feels they can rip people off. They steal, use counterfeit money, employ all the scams in the book, and even sell stolen or fake goods. Here is a guide to help arm you against these dangers.
1. Aggressive Dealers and Rummagers
Example: When setting up, aggressive dealers may try to rummage through your car boot, potentially damaging or stealing items. They might grab at valuable pieces, creating confusion and making it easier for them to pocket items unnoticed.
Tip: Insist they stand back and allow you to set up your stall properly. This protects your goods and ensures you can organize your space effectively.
2. Bulk Buy Fluster
Example: Scammers may fluster sellers by quickly putting together a large job lot of items and pressuring them for a cheap, bulk price. This tactic relies on overwhelming the seller so they can’t accurately gauge the value of the items.
Tip: Take your time to assess each item’s value and don’t rush into sales under pressure.
3. Theft Under the Guise of Help
Example: Be wary of individuals who offer to help you set up your stall, as this can be a distraction technique to steal items. They might appear friendly and helpful, only to pocket small valuable items while you’re busy.
Tip: Politely decline unsolicited help and stay vigilant about your belongings.
4. Switching Items
Example: Buyers might swap a high-value item with a similar-looking, less valuable one when you’re not looking. For instance, they could switch a genuine silver ring with a costume jewelry piece.
Tip: Always double-check items before completing the transaction to ensure you’re handing over the right product and check that they return the correct item to the box after inspecting it.
5. Fake Charity Collectors
Example: Some scammers pose as charity collectors to solicit donations or sell items under false pretenses. They may present fake IDs or documents to appear legitimate.
Tip: Verify the legitimacy of any charity claims by asking for proper identification and documentation.
6. Counterfeit Money
Example: Be cautious of receiving counterfeit currency. Scammers may use high-quality fake notes to pay for items, especially larger denominations.
Tip: Inspect the quality of the paper money, check the hologram, and try to rip the note; a genuine banknote shouldn’t rip. Additionally, use counterfeit detection pens or UV light if available, and keep records of serial numbers for large notes you handle.
7. Double Charging
Example: In crowded and busy stalls, a seller might claim you haven’t paid for a previous batch of items, forcing you to pay again to avoid losing the items and the initial payment.
Tip: Always get a receipt or written acknowledgment immediately after paying.
8. Reselling Purchased Items
Example: After buying an item and leaving it with the seller, they might resell it to another buyer for a higher price. They might later claim it was a mistake or that the item was stolen, offering you a refund while keeping the extra profit.
Tip: Always take your purchased items with you immediately.
9. False Claims of Shortchanging
Example: A seller might falsely claim that you gave them less money than you did. For instance, if you give a £20 note, they might claim it was only a £10 note.
Tip: Count the money out loud in front of the seller and other witnesses to avoid this scam.
10. Non-existent Items
Example: Some sellers might take payment for items they don’t actually have, promising to deliver them later. They might even provide fake contact information.
Tip: Ensure you receive the items before paying, or use a secure payment method that offers buyer protection.
11. Broken Change Scam
Example: When giving change, a seller might intentionally give you less than what you’re owed, hoping you won’t notice in the hustle and bustle.
Tip: Always count your change before leaving the stall.
12. Fake Loss Claims
Example: A seller might claim that the item you purchased was lost or damaged after the sale, offering a refund while reselling the item later at a higher price.
Tip: Avoid leaving items with sellers and always take them with you immediately after purchase.
13. Overpayment Scams
Example: Buyers might “accidentally” overpay with a large note and ask for the difference back, only to retrieve their money later claiming they changed their mind.
Tip: Verify the total amount before giving back any change.
14. Distraction and Team Scams
Example: Scammers often work in teams where one distracts the seller while another steals items. They might use children as distractions or thieves, making it harder to confront them if caught. Never disregard suspicious behavior due to the age of the individual involved.
Tip: Stay vigilant, keep valuable items secured, and if possible, have a friend or family member help watch your stall.
15. Empty Case Scam
Example: If you sell an expensive item like a computer game, a buyer might later claim the case was empty to get a refund while keeping the item.
Tip: Open the case in front of the buyer to show the item is inside before completing the sale.
16. Fake Car Boot Sale Websites
Example: Scammers might create a duplicate website for a legitimate car boot sale, collecting payments for booking spaces. Sellers who book through the fake site find out that the organizers know nothing about their booking, losing their money.
Tip: Always verify the website’s authenticity by checking reviews, contacting organizers directly through official channels, and avoiding making payments through unverified links.
17. Claiming Ownership of Bought Items
Example: Some sellers might claim that an item you bought from another stall or brought with you actually belongs to them. Sometimes this is a genuine mistake, but other times it is a deliberate scam.
Tip 1: If you’re rummaging in a jewelry box, show your hands open to not be holding anything before you walk away. This can help avoid accusations. Just lift your hands and open them, even though the stallholder will be watching you closely.
Tip 2: If you buy items, try to keep them in a bag out of sight to avoid anyone claiming them.
Tip 3: If you want to use an eyeglass to inspect jewelry, have it in your hand or attached to your wrist. Avoid going in and out of your pocket when you are in someone’s jewelry box to prevent any misunderstandings.
Conclusion
While car boot sales and antique fairs can be exciting and profitable, it’s essential to stay vigilant and cautious. Understanding these common scams can help you protect yourself and ensure a positive experience. Always take your time with transactions, verify the legitimacy of offers, and keep a watchful eye on your belongings. If possible, bring a second person with you; an extra set of eyes can help you watch the stall, and you may need someone to cover for you if you need to use the toilet or get hungry. Happy selling!
