Online Safety Information
Protecting yourself when buying and selling on AFORS
Your Safety Is Paramount
Transactions involving aircraft and aviation equipment can be high-value, making them attractive targets for sophisticated scammers. Please read this page carefully before buying or selling. Your vigilance is the first line of defence.
Essential Safety Rules
Use Our Private Messaging System First
Our built-in private messaging system lets buyers contact you without exposing your personal email address or phone number publicly. Keep initial communications within the messaging system — it filters out spam and phishing attempts directed at publicly listed contact details.
Don't Include Personal Details in Your Advert
Never put your email address or phone number in the public advert description. Doing so bypasses the privacy of our messaging system and makes you a target for scammers who crawl websites for contact details. Share personal details only through private messaging, once you're comfortable with a buyer.
Common Scam Tactics to Watch For
The Overpayment Scam
A "buyer" offers to pay by cheque or money order for more than the asking price, then asks you to send back the difference. The instrument will eventually bounce — sometimes weeks later — leaving you liable for the full amount you sent back. Never accept payment for more than your agreed price.
Fake Escrow Services
Scammers create fake escrow websites or impersonate legitimate ones. If an escrow service is suggested, always independently verify it yourself through your own research — never use a service the buyer has found for you.
Advance Fee Requests
Be wary of buyers asking you to pay upfront fees for "insurance," "shipping," or "customs" before the sale is complete. Legitimate buyers do not ask sellers to pay fees.
Buyers Who Avoid Inspection
For aircraft and significant components, a genuine buyer will almost always want a pre-buy inspection. Be cautious of buyers who are eager to purchase sight-unseen, especially if they are overseas or unavailable to visit.
Phishing Attempts
Be suspicious of messages asking for your bank account details, National Insurance number, or other sensitive personal information early in the communication. Legitimate buyers have no reason to request this information.
Pressure and Urgency
Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. If a deal feels rushed, the offer seems unusually high, or the buyer is unwilling to follow standard procedures — it's okay to walk away.
Reporting Suspicious Activity
If you receive a suspicious message through our private messaging system, please report it to us immediately using the AFORS contact form. Provide as much detail as possible, including any message content. You should also consider reporting serious incidents to Action Fraud, the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
Stay Safe — Stay Informed
Before listing, also read our Advertising Guidelines for tips on writing effective, safe adverts that attract genuine buyers.