Con artists have been around for millennia, and always seem to find someone to take their bait. If you are checking out RV sales, you should stay informed about all of the current chicanery and swindling that is going around. Don't believe everything you are told, and be overly cautious whether buying or selling your travel trailer.

A general rule of thumb is that if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There are a lot of good, honest sellers and buyers of RVs, but it only takes one shyster to steal your money and leave you high and dry. Check it out. Here are some of the games that con men play.

Some common scams

• If the buyer or seller will communicate only by e-mail, it is probably a scam. Try to get information about other ways to contact the person. Check the e-mail address on Google for information.

• Beware of anyone who wants to send you more than you are asking for. This scam involves asking you for a refund of the extra when you get the original check. When you take it to the bank, it is fake, and you lose the money that you "refunded."

• Some sellers will ask you for a deposit before they will let you see the motorhome. You may well end up without the deposit, and never see the rig.

• Another scam involves someone from a foreign country who has an agent who will be in charge of shipping the Class B overseas. This is a variation of the second scam listed.

• You can find some great buys on EBay, and Craigslist. These websites also have their share of con artists. You may be told that the bargain has to be snatched up right now if you want it, and if you buy it, it is the old bait and switch trick. You end up with a lemon - or nothing.

• Never hand over the Class C until the check clears, and avoid online escrow accounts.

• Make sure that the seller actually owns the vehicle she is selling.

How to prevent getting ripped off by a scam artist

Be knowledgeable about the purchase you wish to make. Have a trustworthy friend involved in the process of buying or selling to be your second opinion. Make sure that the RV dealer with whom you are working is legitimate by checking with the Better Business Bureau. In the end, the best thing you can do is pay close attention to what is happening. If you are uncomfortable, or the salesman is pushing too hard, turn around and walk away.