Since I listed my bikes a week or so ago, I've been in for a serious education although thank heaven not a victim. Good thing I'm not very trusting, believe me.
I've had three (what I initially thought) were serious inquires and immediate offers.
All three offered full price but then it got interesting. Please note up front that I couldn't get a name, address or legitimate phone (that anyone would answer...only sent me texts) from any of these guys. Two asks for additional pictures, but NONE could come and inspect the bikes or have a Mechanic do so on their behalf.... hmmmmmmmm that got my attention real quick.
- Ok... first guy: Immediately agreed to my price, no haggle at all, and said for me to send him my pay pal account and he would immediately deposit the full amount, then would have his agent pick up the bike, since he was too busy. And after he makes the offer, he then asks for more pictures..... hmmmmm that one got my attention. Can't do the deal in person, too busy so will have a third party pick up the bike?????
- Second guy: Immediate full offer: Wanted me to send him the name that I wanted on the CASHIER's Check he would send to me. Once the check was in the bank he would have (again a third party) someone pick up the bike. It takes about 2 to 3 weeks for a cashiers check to be verified...so he would be long gone with my bike and the signed over paperwork if the check is bad... hmmmmm wonder if this is real.... NOT.
- Third guy: I accept your full price and send me your address and I'll send you a check. Again, doesn't want to have the bikes checked, or even have the paperwork verified....
When I asked each for their info like full name, address, legit phone and I wanted to talk to them in person or on the phone (This way our Nigerian friends can't pass muster)... I never got it, just a lot more about HOW they wanted to get this deal done NOW and HOW they would pay and then immediately get their hands on the bike... all done with immediate haste and RIGHT now.
All three of these guys meet or exceed a significant number of the indicators that a scam in the works.
Its interesting that they come up on our forums to scan our submission for the sale of our bikes, and then his us hard and furious. I guess they think we are desperate to sell and will ignore the high risks just to sell our bikes.
Anyone else getting these guys. I've sent their email addresses to the forum facilitators just in case.
Sad that the only three offers I have had thus far (yeah I know its only been a week) have had every earmark of a scam.
So if you are selling your bike... PLEASE.... go online and review the scammers ways and means of parting you from your property.
Me... cash and carry is the way I'm doing business now. If someone wants to buy, they or their representative can inspect the bikes, validate the paperwork, and we'll go to the bank and have the bank count the money... if all is there then we sign the paperwork at the bank and get all the documentation and receipts notarized while there.

Thanks for the heads up, these art common tactics to part you from your property. It's great that you have posted this problem for our members. Very glad to hear that you didn't fall for this deal. I am sure that someone falls for it every so often. Like you if I am selling something they need to pay for it with cash. If it's mine I know the paperwork is good and the new owner will get their money's worth.

There are all kinds of scams out there please be careful even if you are buying something and they want the money up front.

Lenny

Thanks Lenny,
The Scammers are active today and still hunting... I'm still getting hits from scammers... Have had two more trying the same thing just today... once they are told its a cash and carry deal, they quit communicating and you never hear from the again.
Cash and carry keeps the scammers away as their is no way to cheat you out of your property if you have their CASH in hand.
- I've reported the email addresses to the forum administrators...
If he/she is legit they will agree to the cash and carry method... Its really the most simple of methods and will ensure safety for both the buyer and seller. They get to see the property, validate it as advertised, and get to see all the paperwork, then provide the cash to you at your bank, so the bank can check the bills and count the amount, and when both of you are satisfied, the deal can be complete.
Don't take any Cashiers checks, personal checks, credit cards, or anything but cash or bank account to bank account transfer... if they want to do a bank account direct deposit from their bank account then you might consider it but only if its cash from one account to another, and the account and its owner can be identified and verified.
Mac

I just bought a bike off of Auto Trader and also have one up for sale on Auto Trader And Craigslist.

The bike i bought was a very simple transaction. I was paying cash the guy still had a lien on it through his credit union. Met him at his house,check the bike out,said i'll take it. we then went to his credit union. Went up to the counter i gave him the cash he paid it off so we then went to another lady to get a release of lien form that they notarized. Went back to his house he filled out a bill of sale. I had already talked to my insurance agent when we were at the credit union so the bike was covered. He gave me the keys and all the paperwork and i rode 2 hours home. He sent me the title within 2 weeks because of the holidays. Everything went smooth as silk.


The bike i'm selling the first 3 e-mails i got were scammers. One wanted to send an shipper with a cashier check because he was buying the bike for his cousin in West Virgina...

Sounds like one of the first three guys who wanted mine... same methodology.
I think your process is the one I'm sticking too... it is truly one of the safest for all concerned... cash and carry.

Cash and Carry - it's how I bought my bike.

I've sold a few items on craigslist and on a couple of things I always got phone calls from this same number and the guy would ask me same kinda basic question and pretty much hang up on me.
I was selling this old yamaha I bought for couple hundred bucks and cleaned carbs and fixed charging system and rode it to work for a while and decided to sell it and get another small project,put it on c-list and same guy called.
I searched his phone number on yahoo or google and found out he was selling other people stuff somehow, he had a long history. Even had the Yamaha of mine on there for same price I was asking for??? Can't figure it out!! some kind of scam or he likes helping folks sell their stuff?