Tag Archives: scams

5 Common Scams To Watch For When Buying Used Motorcycles On Craigslist

Fake itemizing scams contain fraudulent sellers creating listings with images of bikes they do not possess. Typically, scammers will steal the product description and images from a official itemizing posted both on Craigslist by an precise vendor positioned elsewhere or from an advert on one other web site. Since the images and outline look official, patrons assume they’re coping with an precise vendor and can attempt to shut on the sale as quickly as they will.

Something you need to know before buying a used motorcycle on Craigslist is that the platform would not confirm the authenticity of its listings. So, the onus is on the customer to search for purple flags. Fortunately, that is fairly straightforward to do if you realize what to search for. One telltale signal of a faux itemizing is an unusually low marketed worth. Given this, earlier than you get excited over a doubtlessly nice deal and begin partaking with the vendor, verify the value of the bike on websites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book. If the marketed worth on Craigslist is considerably decrease than what it ought to be, it is best to stroll away and resume your search.

Another strategy to inform if a list is faux is to do a reverse picture search of the images offered by the vendor. If this leads you again to the unique itemizing (which, in all chance, has a distinct worth) otherwise you come throughout a number of listings by the identical vendor in numerous cities, you are doubtless coping with a scammer. The smartest thing to do, on this case, could be to report the rip-off to Craigslist and transfer on.

Used car advert tool tackles online sales fraud

A new tool has been developed to combat the growing problem of online car sales scams by helping buyers identify suspiciously low-priced adverts. Brego Advert Check is a free online tool that allows users to compare the advertised price of a used vehicle with its estimated dealer price and auction value. If the price seems too good to be true, buyers are advised to exercise caution and visit the dealer in person before proceeding with the purchase. The tool was created in response to a rising number of scams where buyers are tricked into paying a deposit or full payment for a non-existent car that has been intentionally underpriced. These fraudulent sellers are typically unwilling to accept credit card payments, leaving buyers empty-handed.

The co-founder of Brego, Simon Hunt, was motivated to develop the tool after seeing numerous reports of people falling victim to these scams. Hunt noted that the sophistication of the fraudsters indicated that their tactics were proving successful, and he felt compelled to take action. The Advert Check tool was designed within a few days, allowing buyers to input the registration number, mileage, and price of the vehicle they are interested in. They can also provide the website address of the seller, although this is optional. By comparing the selling price to Brego’s dealer price and auction value data, the tool determines the extent of the price discrepancy and informs the buyer accordingly.