Motorcycle seller dodges €1,080 scam with fake Finnish buyer
A German seller narrowly avoided a scam while trying to sell his motorcycle online. The fraudster posed as a Finnish buyer and used fake documents to trick the seller into paying a non-existent transport fee. The incident highlights common tactics used in classified ad scams.
Mr. W. listed his motorcycle for €17,000 on several online platforms, including a classified ads website. Soon after, a potential buyer claiming to be from Finland contacted him. The buyer asked about the bike's condition and requested additional photos before agreeing to the price.
The buyer then claimed they could not travel to Germany due to work commitments. Instead, they arranged for a shipping company to collect and transport the motorcycle to Salo, Finland, covering all costs. Without being asked, the buyer provided an ID and a Finnish address to appear legitimate.
A payment confirmation from Resurs Bank arrived, showing the €17,000 purchase price plus an extra €1,080 for a transport service fee. The buyer insisted the seller pay this fee upfront to finalise the deal. The money would have gone directly to criminals if the seller had complied.
Red flags in the scam included an unsolicited ID, an unusual sender address, and a fake fee. These are typical warning signs of fraud in online classified sales.
The seller recognised the scam before sending any money. Scammers often use forged documents and unexpected fees to pressure victims. Authorities advise sellers to verify all details and avoid paying unknown charges in private transactions.
