Selling a gun? Don’t get caught out

Gun owners are being warned to remain vigilant after fraudsters attempted to con firearms certificate holders using false documentation, leaving sellers at serious legal risk.

How the Scam Works

West Mercia Police revealed that two certificate holders were approached online by criminals trying to acquire firearms illegally. The suspects used a photograph of a genuine firearms certificate, though how they obtained the image remains unknown.
In both cases, fraudsters offered payment by cheque and demanded the firearm be shipped directly after sending the certificate photo. BASC has condemned this as a dangerous breach of proper procedure that could land honest sellers in serious trouble.

Know The Law: The Correct Process for Remote Sales

The legal requirements for remote firearms sales are crystal clear under Section 32 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997. First, buyers must post their original certificate; photocopies or images are not acceptable. Second, firearms must be shipped to a registered dealer, where buyers collect in person, never directly to their address. These are essential safeguards, keeping firearms out of criminal hands.

BASC Urges Certificate Holders to Remain Alert

BASC Firearms Director Bill Harriman said: “This is a stark reminder that certificate holders must stay alert to potential fraud. Even when a certificate appears genuine, the correct legal process must be followed in every sale.”
The attempted scams come as the National Crime Agency runs a nationwide campaign, educating certificate holders about security measures during private transfers.

Severe Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance

Certificate holders who break these rules face serious consequences, including revocation of their licences and potential prosecution.
Certificate holders cannot afford to be caught out by sophisticated fraudsters. When something feels wrong, it usually is.