There are many 'scams' around that try to part you with your money. Whilst many of these originate overseas there are also people operating within the UK that may sound both genuine and knowledgeable about karting.

If you are a buyer...

• NEVER send funds via an instant money transfer service such as Western Union.
• ALWAYS determine whether the seller will accept a payment method with better guarantees for both parties, for example an online payment service such as PayPal (but see the next point below). If not, ensure you understand the risks of using other ways of transferring funds.
• When using an online service such a PayPal, check what buyer protection policies they have and if there are any exclusions.  PayPal, for example, allows you to send money "as a gift", but this removes any buyer protection they offer if you then have a problem with the seller.
• Excercise extreme caution when using bank transfers - this is the equivalent to handing over cash to a complete stranger.  Always ensure you have sufficient information about an individual before sending money - a verified address and landline telephone number should be the absolute minimum.

If you are a seller...

• NEVER accept more money than you are asking for and refund the difference to the buyer.  This is the most common form of scam and often involves the "buyer" sending you a forged cheque that will clear into your bank account and only then do you need to return the balance to them via Western Union or some other form of instant money transfer.  Some weeks later your bank will bounce the cheque and debit the amount from your account.
• Although you usually have to pay a percentage and/or transaction fee, use an online payment service such as PayPal which offers some protection for both buyers and sellers. Any fees such a service charges may be small compared to the potential loss from a fradulent buyer.
• If you are posting an item, always use a postal service that offers tracking and provides adequate insurance cover for the goods.

General tips...

• Never meet people that you do not know alone, especially if you have expensive equipment or cash with you.
• Just because someone sounds knowledgeable about karting does not always mean they are trustworthy.  Sadly there are fraudsters in all walks of life, and some people will perform a great deal of research before contacting their intended victim(s).
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Further Advice and Reporting Online Fraud

If you would like more information on common types of online fraud, or believe you have been a victimof such activity and would like to report the crime, visit the ActionFraud website at www.actionfraud.police.uk.