SCAM Alert
Scam Alert
Classic motorcycles and parts are sold and shipped around the world all the time and in most cases buyers and sellers are quite happy with the experience. However there are scammers out there trying to steal from honest people so do your research on how to avoid getting ripped off. Here’s some SCAM Alert tips to help.
Please read our Buyer & Seller Tips page.
Be extremely careful accepting checks. Never release your motorcycle or title until you are absolutely sure that the check has cleared the issuing bank. Get real confirmation from the bank that the check has cleared and that the check is not fake (this usually takes about 2-3 weeks – consult with your bank)! Scammers have gotten good at creating fake or forged cashiers checks and money orders. Never accept money orders.
The buyer/scammer sends more money than the item is advertised for. The scammer asks you to deposit the (fake or forged) check or money order and use the balance to pay for shipping and some extra money goes to the seller for the inconvenience. You ship the item and later find out the check is fake. You lost your item and you owe the bank.
Or, the scammer sends you an over payment in the form of a check, money order or fake Western Union and says he made a mistake and accidentally sent you too much money, then asks you to deposit it in your account and wire the balance back to him. In the mean time he got the refund by wire and you got a fake check. You now owe the bank.
There is no legitimate reason why anyone would give you a check or money order and ask you to wire money anywhere in return!
Most everyone uses PayPal or Credit/Debit Cards to buy and sell classic motorcycle parts online. If you accept PayPal login to your account and make sure the funds are there. Don’t get scammed by a fake email or fake receipt that says you have received money.
Please notify us immediately if you suspect a buyer or seller is not legitimate or a listing on our website is a scam. If we determine that it is a scam we will end the listing, block the scammer from listing on our website and we will notify the authorities.
Please notify us and the proper authorities immediately if you have been scammed:
Contact Hopson & Taylor at: vintage.bikes@hotmail.com
Contact your local authorities, the FBI and the FTC.
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)
Here are some more tips:
BUYING OR SELLING MOTORCYCLES & PARTS ONLINE IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUYER OR SELLER. BEWARE.