Sell Your Boat, FRAUD & SAFETY POLICY
Last Updated: 16 March 2026. Onboard Space is committed to maintaining a safe and trustworthy platform for buying and selling boats and marine equipment. This Fraud & Safety Policy outlines recommended safety practices for users of the Onboard Space platform (the “Platform”) and explains how Onboard Space works to reduce fraudulent activity. Although Onboard Space takes measures to help detect and prevent fraud, users remain responsible for exercising caution when interacting with other users and conducting transactions.
1. Role of the Platform
Onboard Space provides an online platform where sellers can publish listings and buyers can contact sellers directly. Onboard Space: does not own or sell boats listed on the Platform; does not participate in negotiations between users; does not handle payments between buyers and sellers; does not verify every listing or seller identity. Transactions take place directly between users, and users should take appropriate precautions when buying or selling.
2. Common Types of Online Fraud
Online platforms may occasionally be targeted by fraudulent actors. Common examples include:
- Fake Listings: Listings for boats that do not exist or are not actually owned by the seller.
- Phishing or Identity Fraud: Messages attempting to collect personal or financial information.
- Payment Scams: Requests for payment through unsafe or untraceable methods.
- Overpayment Scams: A buyer sends a payment larger than the purchase amount and asks the seller to refund the difference.
- Shipping or Escrow Fraud: Scammers claiming that a fake shipping company or escrow service is holding the boat or payment.
Users should remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour.
3. Safety Tips for Buyers
Before purchasing a boat or marine product, buyers should follow these safety recommendations:
- Verify the Seller: Confirm the seller’s identity and contact details where possible.
- Inspect the Boat: Whenever possible, inspect the boat in person or through a trusted surveyor before making payment.
- Be Cautious of Unusual Pricing: Prices significantly below market value may indicate fraud.
- Avoid Advance Payments: Do not send deposits or full payments before verifying the legitimacy of the seller and the boat.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid payment methods that are difficult to trace, such as wire transfers to unknown individuals, cryptocurrency payments, gift cards or prepaid vouchers.
- Request Documentation: Ask for relevant documentation such as ownership documents, registration papers, maintenance history.
4. Safety Tips for Sellers
- Verify Buyer Identity: Be cautious when buyers refuse to communicate directly or provide limited information.
- Beware of Overpayment Requests: Do not accept payments that exceed the agreed purchase price.
- Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information: Do not share personal banking details or identity documents unnecessarily.
5. Warning Signs of Fraud
Users should be cautious if they encounter any of the following situations: requests for urgent payment; buyers or sellers located in different countries without clear explanation; refusal to allow inspection of the boat; requests to move communication outside the Platform immediately; requests for unusual payment methods; poorly written messages or inconsistent information. If something seems suspicious, it is recommended to stop communication and report the user.
6. Reporting Suspicious Activity
If you suspect fraudulent activity or encounter a suspicious listing or user, you should report it immediately. You can report concerns by contacting Onboard Space, Email: Info@onboardspace.com. When reporting suspected fraud, please provide the listing link or ID, the username of the other party, copies of messages or communications, and any relevant supporting information. Onboard Space will review the report and take appropriate action where necessary.
7. Actions Taken by Onboard Space
To help protect users, Onboard Space may take various actions when fraudulent activity is suspected. These actions may include removing suspicious listings, temporarily suspending accounts, permanently banning users who violate platform rules, cooperating with law enforcement authorities when required. Onboard Space reserves the right to take such actions without prior notice.
8. Limitation of Responsibility
Onboard Space works to maintain a safe platform but cannot guarantee that all users or listings are legitimate. Onboard Space is not responsible for transactions between users, financial losses resulting from fraudulent activity, or misrepresentation by sellers or buyers. Users are responsible for conducting their own checks before entering into transactions.
9. Cooperation with Authorities
Onboard Space may cooperate with law enforcement authorities or regulatory bodies in investigations involving fraud, illegal activities, or violations of applicable laws. Personal data may be disclosed where required by law or legal process.
10. Updates to This Policy
Onboard Space may update this Fraud & Safety Policy periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements or platform practices. The most recent version will always be available on the Platform.
11. Contact
If you have questions regarding this Fraud & Safety Policy, please contact Onboard Space, Email: Info@onboardspace.com.