A big issue with fake "Laird" titles has been growing on Ebay.  The majority (about 95%) of these fake Laird have been coming out of the Channel Islands.

The most common titles are:
Laird of Lochaber - according to Companies House, Lochaber Highland Estates Ltd has a 'proposal to strike off' filed.

Also, please don't be fooled by them being less popular than items such as a genuine Change of Title Deed, often provided by the genuine Order of the Black Ermine, which can be used to actually change your Title.

It is pretty easy to spot out this scam. Here are a few ways that you can spot them out:

1. The listing is from Guernsey, not Scotland

2. They give % discounts in shipping for larger purchases

3. They have many of the same listing over and over again with the same pictures from different sellers.

4. They are very broad about the 'plot of land' you are purchasing (if they mention anything about it whatsoever)

5. They talk about Scotland's culture more then the actual item you are paying for (I know, it's funny but TRUE)

6. They have private feedback (they do this because of people leaving feedback about being scammed)

7. They have ridiculously low selling prices (sorry, you can't get a Scottish Estate for £20)

8. Don't be fooled by them being verified, a powerseller, and or having an about me page!

9. Nine times out of ten, the 'Land' or 'Title' is in the wrong category

10. CHECK WITH THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE THAT YOUR NEW 'TITLE' HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED AS A TRADEMARK, MEANING IF YOU WERE TO TRY TO USE IT YOU COULD BE SUED!!!!

11. 99% of the time they mis-quote articles featured in the press (try searching 'Mike Wade Lochaber' on an internet search engine, read what he actually said and then compare it with what is quoted by the Company he refers to.

12. The scammers have been trying new tactics to completely scam people like you. NEVER purchase from an off-shore seller.

13. BUYER BEWARE!!! Dishonest people in the Channel Islands have now been purchasing these scam Scottish Lairdships on Ebay and reselling them on ebay as authentics to unsuspecting buyers. 

14. If you are still not sure about the authenticity of the Land or 'Title' you will be purchasing, ask the sellers specific questions and follow your gut instincts.

Knowing full well that I was going to get scammed with a fake Title even though the seller, again from the Channel Islands, stated it was the real deal, I purchased one to inspect the item since our company sells genuine Change of Title Deeds. Not to our surprise, the 'land' and 'Title' were indeed a con. A low quality con at that. The finish was cheap, the paperwork was student grade at best, the claims were weak, the land was the same grid reference as someone elses. Not exactly a grade A Title, eh?

Please just be safe on Ebay and have fun!

PS. If your looking for the ability to actually change your Title to Lord or Lady, search for 'Order of the Black Ermine' on an internet search engine first, read any 'warning pages' you come across and then make an informed decision.

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