Prendergast almost conned by motor home scammers

A Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board member says he was also almost conned by scammers advertising motor homes.

Maurice Prendergast said he was attracted by what seemed a ''modestly priced'' motor home he saw advertised, before sensing there was something wrong.

Police have warned people to be cautious when buying items without seeing them first.

Mr Prendergast's experience follows that of Dunedin man Wayne Marsh last week.

Mr Marsh uncovered the scam, which advertised used vehicles in newspaper and online advertisements, after doing some checking and finding out that a vehicle that was advertised was owned by someone from Bluff, and was not for sale.

Mr Prendergast said the scammers' poor English language skills alerted him something was amiss.

He and his wife Pauline got in touch with the supposed sellers by email.

Their first email asked questions about the certificate of fitness and state of the tyres.

''They replied to us almost immediately, but suspiciously opened their response with the expression 'sorry for the long delay in replying'.''

He wondered if the scammers had learned some standard English expressions but did not know how to use them properly.

''It was nonsensical to apologise for a delay when they had responded immediately.''

An online search of the registration showed the vehicle was deregistered.

As in the case of Mr Marsh, the scammer also claimed to be selling the vehicle on behalf of a sick brother-in-law, Mr Prendergast said.

Police in Dunedin said the matter was being investigated.

''Police advise caution when looking to purchase vehicles or other items without first seeing them.

''If the offer is too good to be true, it probably is.''

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