We have been alerted to the presence of Rotax engines being advertised for sale on Barnstormers, and it has come to our attention that individuals are falling victim to scams, losing thousands of dollars. Here is the account of a person who was scammed and wishes to warn others about this fraudulent activity, as posted in the RotaxOwner classified ads.
Two of us have "purchased" Rotax 912ULS Serial Number 5651185 from an advertiser in Barnstormes.com. Neither of us received the engine. Yeah, ouch. Advertiser called himself "John Hattner", was knowledgeable and provided photos and copies of logbooks. Barnstormers is aware and criminal complaint has been filed with FBi, but I wanted to alert the Rotax community as well.
If there is any means of determining the past or present owner of this serial number engine, I'd appreciate knowing it.
Thanks,
Bob Davison
Scammers are making extensive efforts to create a convincing facade for these counterfeit engines by providing a copy of the engine logbook and engine serial number (S/N). However, upon closer inspection and investigation of the engine S/N, it was swiftly discovered that the engine was manufactured in 2008 (according to the S/N). Strangely, the logbook entry indicates maintenance was conducted in 2007, a year prior to the manufacturing date.
Furthermore, although the engine claims to have originated from the Italian Rotax distributor, the database reveals that the engine was actually delivered to Australia. Rotax maintains a searchable list of stolen engines based on their S/N, accessible at https://www.flyrotax.com/p/service/list-of-stolen-engines. However, this particular engine is not listed, as it may not have been reported as stolen.
To combat scams effectively, Rotax-Owner.com takes additional measures to ensure the authenticity and legitimacy of sellers advertising engines and parts in the Rotax Owner classified ad section. The following vetting process is employed to safeguard against fake or fraudulent listings:
- Thorough Evaluation: Each seller's information and listing details are carefully examined by Rotax-Owner.com's team.
- Verification of Seller: The credibility and trustworthiness of the seller are assessed, considering factors such as their reputation within the Rotax community and previous transaction history.
- Confirmation of Product Authenticity: Efforts are made to verify the genuineness of the engines and parts being offered, including cross-referencing serial numbers and examining supporting documentation.
By implementing these vetting procedures, Rotax-Owner.com aims to maintain a secure environment for buyers and prevent fraudulent activities within the Rotax Owner classified ad section.
To mitigate the risk of scams, Rotax has implemented a method to register your Rotax engine, providing it with a verifiable ownership history. Here are the steps to register your Rotax engine and establish proof of ownership:
- Visit the following link: https://www.flyrotax.com/p/service/engine-registration.
- Fill out the required information accurately and completely. This includes details such as your personal information, engine serial number, and aircraft information (if applicable).
- Double-check all the provided information for accuracy before submitting the registration form.
- Once submitted, Rotax will process your registration and assign a unique identification number to your engine.
- Keep a record of the registration confirmation for future reference.
By registering your Rotax engine, you contribute to its traceability and help prevent fraudulent activities.
