Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: leroysch on September 14, 2021, 07:35:00 PM
-
I put a bike up for sale (the Honda) on CL and within a few hours have a buyer willing to pay asking price sight unseen (except for CL ad pics). Bike is priced fairly..but not a blue light special. Payment is by check (which I prefer). Buyer email addresses don't look spammy. Other than making damn sure the bank agrees the check is good...am I missing something that I'll regret later? This is going way more easily than I expected....which makes me nervous!!
-
I’d say ask your bank how long it takes for check to actually clear not how long it takes to show in your account ( may take several days). The bank can verify the funds but still proceed with caution. I did this with a j 10 Jeep I owned went ok but made me nervous. Everything went well. Also see if they are willing to talk on the phone as not being willing to can be a bad sign. Ultimately if they want the bike they can show up with cash and put down a deposit. JMO
-
Run you are being scammed, next they will tell you that they will send a truck before your check clears and after the bike is gone your bank will tell you the check is no good, my bank takes 2 to 4 weeks to clear, ask for their check numbers so your bank can check it out. The only ones I deal with is on this forum after we have talked a bit. YMMV, keep your insurance up to date after the sell just in case :boozing:
-
I never accept a check payment, especially on a Craigslist vehicle sale. Too many scams being done this way. Just google (check payment scams on craigslist).
-
Cash in hand is the only way I will sell a motorcycle or any other vehicle. If they bring a certificate bank check, good, follow me to the bank and when I’ve got cash in my hand they get the title. Anything else is a roll of the dice. GMHO
-
It doesn’t take two to four weeks for a check to clear, unless you’re talking about a check written on a non-U.S. bank. In that case, your bank will need to send the check to the other bank for collection, which if overseas could indeed take that long, if not longer.
I’d accept the check and take it to the buyer’s bank and cash it there. If that’s not possible, tell him you won’t release the bike or the title for a week. Or just insist he pay in cash or by wire transfer if he wants the bike sooner.
-
I agree with the phone conversation, and the check clearing.
I would never agree to buy a bike without at least "Contingent on inspection and successful test ride."
Be watchful for changing stories, etc. Not sure how much you are selling it for, but buyers can also be warry of carrying cash that can be robbed from them.
You could tell them cash and meet at your bank.
-
One simple way around the distance vs cash in hand is to go to Walmart and do a moneygram or gift card. They can't back out of that or fake it. If they're honest, it shouldn't be an issue. btdt. If they balk, move on...
I've found that lately- more on FB MP than c/l but becoming more common on c/l- is the first person with money in the seller's hand gets it. First in line means nothing to greedy people, even when they agree to do the transaction with you. All they want to hear is "I want it- here's the money." No questions, No agreed-to meeting time to pick up, nothing. Pay them first and maybe offer them a few more dollars to sweeten the pot and you win. Not only do you get screwed out of an item, it complicates the scammer scene.
Just get real money in hand, moneygram, well cleared by bank, etc before the item leaves your control. The scammers use Walmart gift cards because the money is much more likely to stay in their possession...
-
Whats wrong with direct deposit to your account? Cheques are always iffy.
-
Yes, it’s highly likely you’re being scammed. Watch for them to send you a check above the purchase price so you can give them back the cash difference. Run don’t walk from this “buyer“ unless they pay face to face with cash, at your bank. That way your bank can verify the cash is legit. Or if they pay you with PayPal. If they won’t do either, they’re scammers. Unfortunately, CL is riddled with scammers and it’s often bogus.
-
Run you are being scammed, next they will tell you that they will send a truck before your check clears and after the bike is gone your bank will tell you the check is no good, my bank takes 2 to 4 weeks to clear, ask for their check numbers so your bank can check it out. The only ones I deal with is on this forum after we have talked a bit. YMMV, keep your insurance up to date after the sell just in case :boozing:
Agreed....***SCAM*** Run...and don't look back!!
-
Direct deposits to your bank account (via ACH transfer) can be rescinded and recalled by the issuer or the issuer’s bank, with limitation. Wire transfers provide payment finality.
-
Classic scam. Just reply that you will accept only cash and you won't hear from them again. Sorry to say.
-
A real buyer will have questions about the bike. Tell them to call you. They won’t. Also require a bank wire transfer in or cash.
-
If local and a large sum, a Cashiers check can be cashed in a day at the checks origin. Otherwise cash in hand. Item leaves when cash is in hand.
-
I put a bike up for sale (the Honda) on CL and within a few hours have a buyer willing to pay asking price sight unseen (except for CL ad pics). Bike is priced fairly..but not a blue light special. Payment is by check (which I prefer). Buyer email addresses don't look spammy. Other than making damn sure the bank agrees the check is good...am I missing something that I'll regret later? This is going way more easily than I expected....which makes me nervous!!
99.5% chance it's a scam. If you want to cover all the bases you can ask the guy a couple things about what he likes about the bike; you'll almost certainly get some extremely generic response that indicates the buyer doesn't even know motorcycles have two wheels.
-Steve
-
What they said.
Cash is king.
Heck even a wire transfer can be rescinded after the fact.
Offer to meet up at the local police station, that clears out the chaff.
inditx
-
I am buying a bike from an implement dealer who also handles bikes. (so he can sell the 4-wheelers and side by sides.) I will make a wire transfer from my bank to his. Easy and sure. He said it takes up to 4 weeks for a check to clear nowadays.
-
Don't. Do. It.
Anybody with real money to spend is going to want kick some tires first.
-
Agreed, the atypical online scam.
The last time I ran across one of these, I had contacted a CL listing for a boat. Seller wanted me to send a money order for payment, and he would ship the 17’ sailboat, right to my house. He would cover all shipping cost.
I told him that my nephew, a state Leo, lived just a few miles from his town, and he will check out the condition of the boat, and make a cash payment for it. He ignored my email, again insisting that I send a check ASAP. Never heard from him again.
Here is a typical CL scam. This is posted on multiple craigslist sites throughout the country.The images were stolen from a EBay listing.
https://delaware.craigslist.org/mpo/d/wilmington-1991-honda-vfr-bike/7367866573.html
-
Get them to send you the cash via Western Union. Since they are offering full price (and assuming you had a little bit of flexibility in your asking price) offer to cover the cost of the Western Union process (probably cost you $30 to $50 or so) keeping their net cost the same. You will get the cash in your hands within a few hours and Western Union has outlets all over the place.
I've sold many wristwatches to people using this method.
-
I'l gladly pay you on Tuesday, for a hamburger today....
-
Cashier's Check via Registered Mail?
Justsp it ballin.....
-
Agreed, the atypical online scam.
The last time I ran across one of these, I had contacted a CL listing for a boat. Seller wanted me to send a money order for payment, and he would ship the 17’ sailboat, right to my house. He would cover all shipping cost.
I told him that my nephew, a state Leo, lived just a few miles from his town, and he will check out the condition of the boat, and make a cash payment for it. He ignored my email, again insisting that I send a check ASAP. Never heard from him again.
Here is a typical CL scam. This is posted on multiple craigslist sites throughout the country.The images were stolen from a EBay listing.
https://delaware.craigslist.org/mpo/d/wilmington-1991-honda-vfr-bike/7367866573.html
Around here crazy priced cargo trailers are the big scam. They are focused on the new immigrants needing an enclosed trailer for their work tools.
-
Stop payments can be made on cashier's checks. I also don't like people coming to my house, casing it for what they may want to steal later, so if you are paying cash we meet at my bank, if you are paying by check we meet at your bank.
-
Stop payments can be made on cashier's checks. I also don't like people coming to my house, casing it for what they may want to steal later, so if you are paying cash we meet at my bank, if you are paying by check we meet at your bank.
So, you are willing to come 5 hours to my bank? If so, you might as well bring the bike with you. :bike-037:
Most used bikes I have bought have been up to 5 hours away from me. I always have the cash hidden in my vehicle until I see the bike and the title are all in order and match the person's drivers license. These have all been $4000 and under purchases though.
-
My Van Van purchase was interesting. I saw the add on Craigslist up in Indiana. Contacted the seller who hadn't cleared the title yet.
He was coming my way for business so we decided that he would bring me the bike and a bill of sale and I would pay him half the money. He demonstrated that it was his bike by showing me his drivers license and registration.
Then when he mailed me the Title and I was able to successfully transfer it to my name, I paypal'd him the rest of the funds "friends and family".
So, we had mutual trust / distrust involved in the transaction. We met at my house so he could see I was legit.
-
My Van Van purchase was interesting. I saw the add on Craigslist up in Indiana. Contacted the seller who hadn't cleared the title yet.
He was coming my way for business so we decided that he would bring me the bike and a bill of sale and I would pay him half the money. He demonstrated that it was his bike by showing me his drivers license and registration.
Then when he mailed me the Title and I was able to successfully transfer it to my name, I paypal'd him the rest of the funds "friends and family".
So, we had mutual trust / distrust involved in the transaction. We met at my house so he could see I was legit.
This is an example of probably the best scenario in which to purchase a used vehicle/bike from an individual.
I will not do any business dealings using texted communications, my first requirement is the seller MUST TALK TO ME BY PHONE FIRST, then the dealing can begin.
-
Dan,
Very much agree with your sentiment, however the trust/ relationship factor that twowheeladdict describes, is pretty rare today. In my experience, sellers and buyers are too impatient these days to invest time in a transaction. Just my 2 cents.
This is an example of probably the best scenario in which to purchase a used vehicle/bike from an individual.
I will not do any business dealings using texted communications, my first requirement is the seller MUST TALK TO ME BY PHONE FIRST, then the dealing can begin.
-
Dan,
Very much agree with your sentiment, however the trust/ relationship factor that twowheeladdict describes, is pretty rare today. In my experience, sellers and buyers are too impatient these days to invest time in a transaction. Just my 2 cents.
Then they just need to be trading bikes in, and buying from dealers.
When buying a used bike, how do you know it is being honestly represented if you don't ask questions, feel out the seller, and then decide if it is worth the trip to go look at?
And conversely, when selling, feel out the buyer to determine if he is just a test rider or a serious buyer. I personally don't allow test rides without money in hand. That weeds out most of the tire kickers, but doesn't guarantee a sale. I've ridden a few that were total disappointments.
-
As many others have said, do not accept anything except cash.
Cashiers checks can be forged. Even with correct routing and bank account info. If you cash it at your bank, thinking you are safe, when the check comes back NSF (non sufficient funds) or a bogus check, you will owe the money back to the bank.
Same with personal checks, but even worse. Someone can easily take advantage of check float (even though Prop 21 has shortened it to a few days a while ago) to inflate their account, so the check shows as having funds available. When the check clearing catches up, the same thing, you will owe the money to your bank.
Western union, money-gram, etc.. all can be scammed. Electronic payments like Venmo and PayPal are better, but since hooked up to a bank account, the same kind of fraud described with the personal check can happen.
Cash is king for a reason.
-
So, you are willing to come 5 hours to my bank? If so, you might as well bring the bike with you. :bike-037
Most used bikes I have bought have been up to 5 hours away from me. I always have the cash hidden in my vehicle until I see the bike and the title are all in order and match the person's drivers license. These have all been $4000 and under purchases though.
I won't travel 5 hours to meet at your bank unless you are paying me to deliver it. There are local branches of most larger banks, and credit unions all seem to work well together. Over many years, several cars, trucks, and motorcycles, I have never had a problem with a real buyer working this way, never had a bad check, and never worried about getting robbed during the transaction.
-
I bought my EV from a gentleman in Nebraska. I naively thought if we traded at his credit union that my funds could be verified with a personal check. No way, I bought the bike anyway. The seller was pissed about it but took a chance because myself and my teenage soon had driven 400 miles and he thought we were honest. It worked out but now I understand the risk.
I was able to purchase my Greenie from a seller associated with the board with whom I had met. He knew the drill and didn't have a problem with my personal check.
Then there was the cluster f@%& when I was trying to purchase another Guzzi from a patient gentleman out of the country also on the board. I never knew how hard it was to send my own money out of country. Sale failed. I still feel badly about that one. I'm thankful that he didn't get mad about it. I couldn't blame him.
-
I trust members of MGNOC more than Wildgoose forum members.
This is currrent scam going on right now on a scooter that I was checking out. CL local listing on motorcycle parts instead of motorcycles. :boozing: My inquiry got relayed to his sister who sent these email. 🤣🤣🤣
If by chance you haven't got it. I'm in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. For those that are denser....I'm in the middle of the Pacific. The scooter is in Lexington, KY. Approx. 5000 miles east of me. BWAHhhhhhhhhh. 😁😁😁 Hey looks like a deal to me! NOT.
"Hello again, so as I was telling you in my first e-mail. That's why I chose to deal with eBay because it allows me to take care of things easily. The scooter is now sitting in Lexington KY as well, at an eBay storage facility. You will have free delivery (got a shipping voucher trough them) and 5 days to test and inspect it before I receive any money. If after the 5th day you want it, they release the money to me, if not, you send it back for free and get your money back as well. If you want to hear more details on it, please send me your full name, address, with the zip code and phone number. I will have eBay to send you the invoice
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom <aucycles@gmail.com>
To: Velma Green <velma028@aol.com>
Sent: Thu, Sep 16, 2021 3:16 pm
Subject: RE: Scooter for sale
OK. Thank you.
Sent from Mail for Windows
From: Velma Green
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2021 8:37 AM
To: aucycles@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Scooter for sale
Hi Tom, the 2018 Honda Pcx150 is still available, are in great shape as well, the electric is working perfectly. The moped has only 3412 miles, it is in excellent condition with a clean title. The engine is a 150cc with 2 keys, a thick U bolt lock I’ve been securing it with, and a biltwell bonanza helmet in matte black, The scooter is located in Lexington Kentucky, is already at the DASS transport company. I am selling it for $800 because my husband died 3 month ago (of a heart attack) and it brings me bad memories. That's the real reason I want to sell it, besides, I hope to find a new owner as dedicated as my departed soulmate was. I want to use eBay Services for both our safety, so if you're interested in purchasing this bike just email me your full name, address including the zip code and phone number and the email address where ebay can send you the invoice. I will inform eBay that you are selected as my possible buyer and they will contact you to explain the entire procedure."
-
I trust members of MGNOC more than Wildgoose forum members.
This is currrent scam going on right now on a scooter that I was checking out. CL local listing on motorcycle parts instead of motorcycles. :boozing: My inquiry got relayed to his sister who sent these email. 🤣🤣🤣
If by chance you haven't got it. I'm in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. For those that are denser....I'm in the middle of the Pacific. The scooter is in Lexington, KY. Approx. 5000 miles east of me. BWAHhhhhhhhhh. 😁😁😁 Hey looks like a deal to me! NOT.
Interesting way to start a post.
Anyhow, there are people who will even set up fake websites and send you a link to them. They will look 100 percent legit to the non-tech savvy.
I always answer this way to their location. Oh, I'm going to be in that area in a couple days. Please send me the address and let them know I am coming.
Yes, the my spouse died, I'm stationed overseas, etc. etc.
-
My standard response to craigslist scammers is
1. Sounds like a great idea, I will go for it.
2. Some excuse why I won't be there. I am a Merchant Seaman and am shipping out or my cancer has returned and I have to go Seattle for treatment or I am a long haul trucker and I am headed to Fairbanks with a load.
3. My elderly relative will be handling my affairs and Does not have internet so you will need to send the forged cashiers check through the US postal service and include a copy of our emails so they can verify that you are who you say you are.
4. Give them the name of the head of the sheriffs dept fraud unit and their mailing address or a name and address in the prosecutors office.
Sometimes it works, they mail evidence of their crime to the cops.
-
Ive sold a half dozen bikes on CL and bought about the same number. Sold two motor homes also.
The only way I accept a check is we both go to the bank and stand at the teller where a cashiers check is made. I watched my motor home buyer produce $35k cash and give it to the teller and the teller gave me the check.
I only accept phone calls. Don’t screw with email/texts. Too many bored people clicking away for entertainment.
-
My standard response to craigslist scammers is
1. Sounds like a great idea, I will go for it.
2. Some excuse why I won't be there. I am a Merchant Seaman and am shipping out or my cancer has returned and I have to go Seattle for treatment or I am a long haul trucker and I am headed to Fairbanks with a load.
3. My elderly relative will be handling my affairs and Does not have internet so you will need to send the forged cashiers check through the US postal service and include a copy of our emails so they can verify that you are who you say you are.
4. Give them the name of the head of the sheriffs dept fraud unit and their mailing address or a name and address in the prosecutors office.
Sometimes it works, they mail evidence of their crime to the cops.
LOL! There are YouTubers working hard every day scamming the scammers. These scammers are working hard to steal and people are losing thousands of dollars every day.
-
Speaking of scams, I recently placed an ad on CL for something motorcycle related. Here is a response I received today:
“ My name is savannah brooke I have ($900.000 us dollars) in the bank in
Cote d'Ivoire
from my late husband and i want to donate it to you as a dying kidney woman
who have no child.
I want you to contact me back so that my lawyer will made arrangement
for you to recieve your total funds of 900,000 us dollars through
money order like western union or moneygram 5000 us dollars daily
untill you recieve all your 900.000 us dollars. So get back to me with
your reciever name and address,phone and id
With Regards
savannah brooke name is savannah brooke I have ($900.000 us dollars) in the bank in
Cote d'Ivoire
from my late husband and i want to donate it to you as a dying kidney woman
who have no child.
I want you to contact me back so that my lawyer will made arrangement
for you to recieve your total funds of 900,000 us dollars through
money order like western union or moneygram 5000 us dollars daily
untill you recieve all your 900.000 us dollars. So get back to me with
your reciever name and address,phone and id
With Regards
savannah brooke name is savannah brooke I have ($900.000 us dollars) in the bank in
Cote d'Ivoire
from my late husband and i want to donate it to you as a dying kidney woman
who have no child.
I want you to contact me back so that my lawyer will made arrangement
for you to recieve your total funds of 900,000 us dollars through
money order like western union or moneygram 5000 us dollars daily
untill you recieve all your 900.000 us dollars. So get back to me with
your reciever name and address,phone and id
With Regards
savannah brooke”
-
I've bought several vehicles from private sales with a check.
If you are nervous, take a picture of their drivers license and plates.
It might just be the bike of his dreams in the right color and price.
In your post you did not supply a link to the ad so anyone here would have no idea what the buyer saw.
Don
Looked it up. If it is this one is about 3000 below what I see on autotrader. And the seller includes some nifty stuff.
https://joplin.craigslist.org/mcy/d/newtonia-2013-honda-f6b-deluxe/7379767619.html
-
Yeah..that's it. Compliments on your research.
The CL inquiry that was too good to be true was in fact a scam. Basically, the original email inquiry came from one email addy....others from another (not the CL email system). When I asked what the original email addy was...crickets.
Got a low ball offer...and an inquiry that didn't follow up...gawd...guess I'll have to wade thru this crap again on the 'bay.
-
I just sold a Wilbers shock on eBay for $635 and netted $548. Ouch! Ebay fees are outrageous, like 12%, and I keep forgetting that.
Craigslist is good. Just only take phone calls and have them leave a message. You weed out the frivolous that way. Anyone who wont leave a voicemail is not interested.
-
We've found Cycletrader to be well worth the $9.95 seller's fee.
https://www.cycletrader.com/sell-motorcycles
Craigslist will cost you $5 nowadays
Good luck!
Sarah
-
Yeah..that's it. Compliments on your research.
The CL inquiry that was too good to be true was in fact a scam. Basically, the original email inquiry came from one email addy....others from another (not the CL email system). When I asked what the original email addy was...crickets.
Got a low ball offer...and an inquiry that didn't follow up...gawd...guess I'll have to wade thru this crap again on the 'bay.
Does the '13 have electronic cruise control?
-
Does the '13 have electronic cruise control?
no
-
no
That was a crazy decision by Honda IMO.