A Seller’s Guide to Avoiding Scams in Aircraft Sales

Selling an aircraft comes with its own risks. Scammers frequently target sellers with sophisticated tricks to steal your money or personal information. Here are some of the most common scams sellers face—and how to avoid them:

Common Scams Targeting Sellers

Overpayment/Check Refund Scam
Scammer overpays with a fake check, then asks for a refund of the difference before the bank catches on.
Red flags: Pressure to send money back quickly, or complicated payment instructions. Always wait for checks to fully clear (which can take weeks) before refunding anything.

Fake Wire Transfer
Buyer sends a supposed wire transfer confirmation, but the funds never arrive.
Red flags: You see “pending” transactions, requests to ship before funds have arrived, or pressure to release the aircraft or paperwork early. Never release the aircraft or any title until the funds are securely in your account and verified by your bank.

Phishing Emails & Impersonation
Emails appear to be from legitimate brokers or escrow agents, asking for sensitive details or directing you to malicious links.
Red flags: Poor grammar, unusual email addresses, urgent requests for login or payment information. Always verify the sender’s identity via a trusted, independent contact.

Fake Escrow/Closing Agents
A buyer insists on using a specific escrow or closing agent—usually their “trusted” third party. These agents may have convincing websites but are actually fake.
Red flags: Pressure to use an unfamiliar escrow service, reluctance to use recognized providers, or escrow sites with minimal online presence. Always choose reputable, well-known escrow companies.

Advance Fee Fraud
Buyer requests that you pay an upfront fee for “processing” or “paperwork” before they will purchase.
Red flags: Requests for payment by wire or non-traceable methods, vague explanations of fees, or claims that the process is “standard practice.” Never pay a buyer for “processing” your own sale.

Title Transfer Delay Scam
Buyer sends partial payment and requests immediate transfer of title before full payment is received.
Red flags: Requests to transfer documents ahead of payment, urgent deadlines, or offers that seem too good to refuse. Never transfer title until all funds are securely in your account.

Hijacked/Compromised Email Accounts
A scammer intercepts your email chain, posing as the buyer (or vice versa), and provides alternate payment instructions.
Red flags: Sudden changes in email addresses, requests to send funds to new or unrelated accounts, or poor English in communications. Always confirm critical details by phone using previously verified numbers.

Fake Pre-Purchase Inspection Companies
Buyer insists on a pre-purchase inspection from a sham company, charging you for a service that doesn’t happen.
Red flags: Inspection companies with little or no online presence, requests for wire payment in advance, or pushback when you suggest using your own trusted service. Research the inspection company thoroughly.

“Agent” or “Finder” Fee Scam
Individual claims you owe them a fee for connecting you with a buyer after the deal closes.
Red flags: No prior agreement or contract, pressure to pay immediately, or threats of legal action. Only pay fees to agents you have formally contracted.

Identity Theft/Data Harvesting
Scammer requests personal or financial information under the guise of completing a transaction or background check.
Red flags: Requests for unnecessary sensitive data, reluctance to use secure channels, or pressure to provide information quickly. Share sensitive information only through secure, verified channels and only if absolutely necessary.