Scammers

[Maria Parker]

We have recently been made aware of scammers violating the sacred space of this forum. Before sending any money, please double and triple-check the seller's validity. Feel free to contact us through support@cruzbike.com and we can let you know if we have had previous interactions with the seller.

 

[Ex-biker]

I don't understand the above symbols.
A few days ago I placed my Cruzbike for sale on your site, a reply indicated a photo was necessary and I'm in the process of getting a photo.

Scott

 

[camineet]

Want to report a suspected scam. I got a DM in here after posting my interest in a bike here:

looking for late model s40

Hi all, Looking for one of those late model S40's that are in excellent condition that are priced to sell around $2500. Hoping to get lucky with one of those as I've seen they occasionally go for a bit higher. Spent the past few weeks working on my hitch rack choice and security model, and am...

forum.cruzbike.com

I was told in a DM by a New Member that someone has a bike at a fair price and was given an email address.

I excitedly emailed the person and found myself in an exchange that had me deciding it was a high risk proposition.

 

[camineet]

I finally decided after writing off this party as a scammer, to send this message because if I could get this "excellent condition" bike that he sent pics of with scratches on everything but the frame as far as I can see, it'd be cool to get and maybe spice up with some new parts and touchup paint, grip tape, etc.

 

[camineet]

Got a pretty favorable response from the guy agreeing to execute a sale through Paypal which offers pretty good buyer protection as far as I could tell from reading up on it:

https://www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/buyer-protection

Then I found this:

S40 for sale

There are small scrapes on the chain stays. The picture highlights them. Appear to be cosmetic only. If not satisfied with the bike, it may be returned at buyers expense

forum.cruzbike.com

It's got the exact same photos this guy sent to me via email.

I'm not sure what the point is of trying to scam someone through a Paypal transaction if a buyer like myself can just file a claim and get the transaction reversed.

If it isn't Paypal, does anyone have any suggestions on what the best solution is for making purchases from randos on the internet while having good protection against fraud?

 

[CoachellaRider]

Venmo also has buyer protection. You have to turn it on to get it, and the seller has to pay a fee, which they may ask you to cover. I understand that local bike shops will also agree to act as an escrow agent, although the one time I tried to do that they were scared of the Cruzbike, never having seen one before.

I personally wouldn't recommend buying anything from an unknown person without buyer protection. The first Cruzbike I was interested in buying, the seller wouldn't send it unless I mailed him a paper check, and then he would send the bike once the check cleared. I'm pretty sure the guy was legit (I looked him up) but even then it's a bad proposition. If he'd received the check, cashed it and then got hit by lightning before shipping the bike, I'd be out of luck. So I got my S40 from someone willing to use Venmo.

I really like that we have a community marketplace for Cruzbike riders, but 'buyer beware' should always be the rule for anonymous transactions.

 

[CruzRider]

Note: Only PayPal G&S transactions have buyer protection. This is no brainer.

I have heard stories of scammers blocking this in ingenious ways. Examples abound on Reddit. Best case, it is a giant hassle if you got scammed. So, pays to be careful.

Having bought several bikes on this and other forums, here is my advice:
1. Call and talk to the person. Are they knowledgeable about the bike?
2. Insist on up to date photos that cannot be found elsewhere. Request At least one photo with specific parameters - close up of a scratch,”, etc.
3. Pick up the bike in a public place if possible.
4. Go with your gut. If it is too good to be true …

Good luck.

 

[2whluge]

When I sold my tandems, Tandem Classified required photos with a card that included a date and partial email for verification they had the bike. Still need payment protection, but perhaps this is an idea we could include here

 

[macg4d1g]

When I sold my tandems, Tandem Classified required photos with a card that included a date and partial email for verification they had the bike. Still need payment protection, but perhaps this is an idea we could include here

I like this idea. However, we now have a new wrinkle: A.I. assisted photo editing and even from-scratch image generation. Be careful, all.