New scam warning: what caravan buyers should check online

For caravan buyers, the warning is particularly relevant. Many people now begin their buying journey online, moving between dealer listings, finance comparison pages, repayment estimates and pre-approval forms. That convenience is useful, but it also creates opportunities for look-alike websites to capture sensitive information such as driver licence details, income figures, bank information or identity documents.

ASIC’s recent scam website activity shows the scale of the issue. In 2025, the regulator coordinated the takedown of 11,964 phishing and investment scam websites, along with more than 1,100 online investment scam advertisements on social media. While those figures are not limited to vehicle or caravan finance, they show how quickly scam operators can create, promote and replace deceptive sites.

Before applying for a caravan loan online, buyers should take a few practical steps. Check the website address carefully, especially if you arrived through an advertisement, email or social media link. Be cautious with shortened links, pages that redirect several times, or sites that use a familiar logo but have an unusual domain name. If a page claims to represent a recognised lender, broker or media organisation, search for the business independently and compare the official web address before continuing.

It is also wise to treat unusually urgent offers with caution. A very low rate, guaranteed approval, pressure to pay an upfront fee, or a request to move the conversation to an encrypted messaging app can all be warning signs. Genuine finance providers should be clear about fees, eligibility, comparison rates and credit assessment, and they should not rush you into sharing documents before you understand the product.

For buyers planning a new caravan, camper trailer or motorhome purchase, the safest approach is to keep the process structured. Decide what you can afford, model repayments under different interest rates and terms, and compare caravan loan options through trusted channels before submitting an application.

The key message is not to avoid online finance research, but to use it carefully. A few extra minutes checking the site, the provider and the offer could protect your identity, your savings and your caravan plans.