Camping holidays attract more and more French people every year. However, a scam is currently targeting these outdoor enthusiasts and many are the victims. Here’s how to avoid it.
Who doesn’t dream of adventure and freedom for their vacation? In any case, that’s what campervan travelers are looking for, enjoying crisscrossing the roads in search of the best spot. And while this type of stay often promises to be low cost, a sneaky scam can disrupt your plans and jeopardize your vacation.
Summer is the season for scams. Tourists are the ideal target for scammers, taking advantage of their vulnerability. While Airbnbs and luxury hotels also have their share of trickery, this time, it is camping enthusiasts who would do better to listen up. Today, tempting offers for campervan rentals are flooding the classified ads. The only requirement? The maintenance of the vehicle. A few wipes of the cloth would then allow you to enjoy a stay in a campervan for free… but the reality is quite different.
The scammers behind this scam know exactly how to attract their victims. They post their ads on reputable sites, with attractive photos of fully equipped vehicles. While the principle seems simple and honest at first glance, the owner asks you in advance to pay the cost of transporting the camper van to your home. A cost that seems reasonable compared to the price of the classic rental of this type of vehicle.
But that’s where the trap closes. Once the transport costs are paid, the camper never arrives and the scammers disappear with your money, leaving no trace. The victims then find themselves without any means of contacting the so-called owner, the phone numbers no longer respond and the email addresses are deactivated.
To avoid getting scammed, it is therefore crucial to remain vigilant. Never pay fees in advance for services of this type. It is essential to always check the veracity of the advertisement and to favor recognized and secure rental platforms. And above all, be wary of offers that are too good to be true. You have been warned!