10 Ways to Avoid Getting Scammed when Buying Models Online

In my previous video I bought some models from a website that looked genuine, but turned out to be a total scam. In this video we look at 10 ways to tell if a website is genuine.

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00:00 Introduction
01:34 The Case Study: Wicor Models
02:19 1. The Website
03:02 2. Reviews
03:30 3. Social Media
03:51 4. UK Model Shop Directory
04:07 5. Approved Stockist
04:33 6. Real Address
05:01 7. Get in Touch
05:23 8. Ask the Community
05:46 9. Companies House
06:23 10. Protected Payments

[jacksonphreak]

Wicor Models are my local model shop and I can't speak more highly of them. Great to see them mentioned on your channel. 🙂

[melkitson]

Nice clear presentation which makes perfect sense. Thank you for the time and research that you put into this. Living in Portugal there are virtually no decent model shops so online shopping is crucial. I really appreciate your guidance. 🇧🇫

[KN-ycwu]

Rob, Very good video with plenty of sensible advice. I got caught on a purchase (not railway related) a while back, but had used PayPal to pay. I contacted PP and they were brilliant, after all the required waiting periods for the supplier to respond, PP refunded me in full. Don't know what happened to the supplier, but this shows using PP is worthwhile. BTW I also had a problem with a eBay supplier, and eBay were also very efficient at getting me a full refund. hope you get your money back soon.

[paulcherrytrains]

No PayPal no deal. I never pay any other way. Regards Paul.

[tomasrogers]

Dont take recommendations of Rob
Good to see your well again.

I have bought lots off model shops over the years plus off forums, facebook etc and thankfully ive had mostly positive experiences. As i buy from overseas i have to be even more cautious, look out for generic photos ie photos taken from other sites etc as this for me is a major red flag.

[Andrea.]

Useful video, much of which can be applied to online shopping in general, thanks.

[tedmogsm]

hi Rob, good to see you, re feeling better too, thanks for your very informative video too

[TATICMOOR]

Good ten tip video for not getting scammed. I few of these I didn't know about, so it has been a useful public announcement, Rob. Thanks for keeping us on the straight and narrow (gauge, LOL) about on-line ordering and not to fall fowl into the (ash) pit of a con artist.

[skel]

Great advice Rob, thanks! Cheers Steve

[attercliffecentral]

You could still do all your tips and still get conned. The best thing to do is go to shops or fairs my tips are take a battery if your buying from a market stall to see if the model works check it before parting with any cash even barter to get a better price especially if you are buying more than one item you can not do this online. Yes I understand not everyone has a model shop but we have fairs it's better to pay bus or train fare than lose your money online not everyone can or have a credit card plus it gets you out .

[stArizonaSub]

11. Check with the NMRA & MRH magazine.

[lauriepocock]

I think I have been scammed. I brought a train set through facebook Marketplace. The seller asked politely if I would pay through PayPal friends and family cos it avoided paying surcharge but since paying he has gone very quite. PayPal can’t help because they don’t have a resolution procedure for friends and family. If using Marketplace beware if asked to use PayPal friends and family unless you are sure it’s safe.

[petermarles]

Hi Rob,
Have you traced the scammer and is anything being done to bring him to justice?
All good wishes, Peter.

[peterjames]

The canns website looks very professional but lacks any contact details whats so ever! And thus fails your first

[Oorail]

You forgot the most important bit of advice, if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably isn't. This is what got you into trouble in the first place, you saw the Mk2 coach deals on Hattons which were at a realistically low price and got baited by someone offering it even lower than that. So in trying to shave another few quid off a good deal, you missed out and caused other folks to be scammed as well. Think there is a lesson in there somewhere about being a responsible YouTuber. Always vet something properly before distributing it to the public. Hope you were able to get all your money back!