Beware Online Fraud.
Buying and selling online could cost you dear. We
continually receive reports of fradulent adverts
appearing on free-to-advertise websites. The scammers
are very sophisticated are either cloning existing
helicopters for sale and changing the contact details or
are advertising helicopters for sale without the real
owner's knowledge. Avoid the scammers by using HELiDATA
Classified and make a note of our tips:-.
Beware of helicopters which seem to be priced cheaply.
Compare the price with similar aircraft. If it sounds
too good to be true it probably is!
If the helicopter is advertised through the services of
a broker try to check that the company is well known in
the industry. Check the history of the company, ask for
recommendations from customers or the OEM. Be aware that
in some cases the websites of brokers have been cloned
and the contact details changed so do make sure that you
check all the contact details and search for and check
any other references to the broker that you can find.
Private sellers will not normally ask for a deposit. If
they do ask for payment before viewing be very wary.
However, a broker may ask for a deposit before you view.
If you are unsure about the company ALWAYS use a genuine
Escrow company that you have appointed yourself to
handle the transaction. Genuine online escrow companies
will be listed on a Government register, NEVER use a
company recommended by the seller. (N.B. If the
helicopter is not as described you should be able to get
the deposit back.)
Verify the aircraft registration with the local aircraft
registration department and if possible contact the
registered owner.
Look out for premium rate telephone numbers beginning
+44 70. Insist that the seller give you a
landline number as well as a mobile contact number. You
can check the number against the seller's name on
directory enquiry websites. If you are in doubt call the
landline number.
Consider the type of site you are viewing, HELiDATA
adverts are pre-paid so are less vulnerable to fraud and
we always do our best to check the credentials of an
advert. However, free-to-list websites are easy to use
to perpetuate fraud.
If you are in any
doubt whatsoever about a prospective purchase (or a
helicopter you have seen advertised elsewhere) please
feel free to email office@helidata.info for further
advice.
We've been in the business for over 30 years and we know
who's who!
Tel: +44 (0) 1934 822 524 or +44 (0) 1934 823
058
Fax: +44 (0) 1934
822 400
75 Elm Tree Road,
Locking,
Weston-super-Mare,
Somerset, BS24 8EL, UK
