The internet, social media, online marketplaces... this is the world we live in. Somedays it feels like a blessing, other days it may feel like a curse. In recent years we have seen an influx of people selling used motorcycle parts online.
Blessing: access to parts that you may not have been able to find otherwise.
Curse: SCAMMERS!
We have all encountered them. It happens on Instagram, Facebook marketplace, Craigslist, and other places.
We have compiled a list of tips that might help you spot a scammer and save you the headache and money that comes with falling for a scam.
- If it’s too good to be true it probably is.
- Do your research on the seller. Try to find out where they are located, how long has their account been active, are they selling anything else.
- Don’t be quick to fire off money. Sometimes we feel pressure to be the first one to grab it because it is such a deal or we need it SO bad. Be patient.
- Send money with protection. It's always a good idea to use PayPal goods and services (not friends and family) if possible.
- Ask if a local friend could come look at it. If the item isn't local to you, try to find someone who can go take a look at it for you. Pro-tip: Even if you don't have someone who can look at it, ask if you can. Often a scammer will make a list of excuses about why they can't meet up.
- Follow pages that vet their sellers. If you are primarily using Instagram to find your parts, find repost pages that vet their followers.
- If multiple items are posted for sale, look for picture consistency. Different backgrounds and picture styles can often mean they have stolen the picture from someone else.
- Read the comments on posts. Sometimes people will comment about them being a scammer or other interactions they have had with the seller.
Following these tips will not guarantee that you won't encounter a used motorcycle parts scammer, but hopefully, it will at least give you some ideas on how to try to avoid falling for the madness.
J&C
