Fake boiler certificates

I posted this as a heads up.

Because I was not defrauded the local police are not interested in pursuing the matter as a case of forgery. The purchaser now has his money back so is not interested in pursuing the matter as a matter of fraud. I did however input the information to action fraud which is the police database. I also spoke to NAME as soon as I had sufficient information to enable them to take certain steps to reduce the likelihood of repetition but in principle this could happen again if people are not aware of what constitutes a valid boiler certificate.

I believe at least in the case of the RobRoy that the seller had acquired the loco with certificates in good faith. If you are not certain about a boiler certificate speak to your boiler inspector and certainly if offered a loco with a boiler certificate check its validity. It is incumbent on us all to understand what is and is not a valid certificate.

It's dreadful to think that this happens in an otherwise pleasant hobby. And unsurprisingly it's the lure of greed that spurs on these charlatans.

I'm not going to say i told you so, because i'm better than that, but some refused to hear me out that theres another side to the story instead just saying get the bad guy.

I'm definitely not an expert, i never appointed myself as anything, but i do have a pretty good idea of what the police are all about and i'm afraid complicated situations like these come second to emergencies.

Otherwise i'm sure you can be correct in your assertions that i'm a bit of a clutz and obviously don't communicate my points across effectively.

If i can't make you listen, thats not your fault or perogative, it's mine and i'm sorry i'm not the word wizard i try to be. 

Michael W

Edited By Michael Walters on 07/10/2016 18:13:45

Thanks for the warning!

Peterborough Society of Model Engineers has now warned members of this fraud, so i PLEASE ensure that your local Society/Club knows about this, if not already aware.

In my view, there is a very real risk of someone being seriously injured, eventually, as a result of a boiler failing.

Boiling water is bad enough, but steam under pressure contains a lot of energy, liable to maim any person or animal nearby.

Howard

Well, the certificates are easy enough to forge and presumably the forger will get it right next time and it's no use looking for a hand-written serial number in future.

I suppose the only solution is to refer back to the originating club to check when buying, or have it retested.

The WSE is non-transferable anyway, but you might make a decision based on the fact the boiler has one.

Interestingly, this thread is focused on whether you can sue someone, rather than suggestions for solving the problem. Forget about the law - it won't happen.