Is this a Scam?

[smilingcat]

No don't do it.

Utah has a reputation among the scam artist as a safe haven. The public at large think that, just because it is a very conservative Mormon controlled state that scammers do not reside there. In reality, it has the highest fraud and scam rate in the country.

Have him pay you in full through Paypal. Don't even think about the USPS money order.

Smilingcat

[makbike]

I think I have the bike fairly priced. My recumbent has many upgrades compared to what a factory Giro would have. In fact, most of my components are upgrades with the exception of the brakes. Toss in the extras (kickstand, rack, extra tires/tubes, water bottles, bag) and I think I have a pretty darn good bike. A bike of this sorts would start at $1550 and I would think with the extras and upgrades would have easier cost a buyer close to $1800.

There has been no baragaining on the price. I'm not sure how common it is to purchase a bike sight unseen but would think it does happen through ebay, craigslist, forums etc.

He did just join the recumbent forum. Not sure what this means. Is he a scammer or is he interested in entering the world of bent riders? He has indicated in an email that he wants to try riding a recumbent and that he currently rides a DF.

I did send him a note that simply said if a money order is sent it must be a USPS MO, nothing else will be accepted. If he bulks at this I think it will say a lot about his honesty.

I have no problem holding the bike for him if his "good-faith" money is good and the postal clerk did tell me they would know immediately if is was a fraud.

I guess all I can do is wait and see how he replies to my email.

I appreciate all the ideas that have been shared. As I told a friend today I don't want to take anyone to the cleaners and in return I don't want to be taken to the cleaners over this bike. I simply want to recoup the money I have put into it, turn it around and purchase myself a nice road bike for next season.

[ilima]

Tell him to get a PayPal account and link his bank account. He can deposit the money in his bank account and then pay you. It will only take a couple of days for him to get his account 'verified' and linked.

If he blanches, you know it's a scam, which is what it sounds like to me.

[onimity]

He wants to *try* riding a recumbent and he is going to send a valid money order across the country for a bike he hasn't even seen? How does he know that it is a good fit for him? I *guess* the cash is burning a hole in his pocket!

If he can't pay you via PayPal, I wouldn't do business with him. You never know what he has up his sleeve but everything about this situation screams *beware*! Honestly, I wouldn't give the guy my address to send the money order to...maybe I'm overly suspicious, but you really know nothing about this guy. He could tell you anything. He could be a thief looking for high ticket bikes in your area. I would accept *nothing* other than paypal, or cash from someone local to your area.

I bought a bike off of craigslist. I had a lot of questions, asked for more detailed photos. I wanted to test ride it. I wanted proof that the guy acquired it legally. I paid him cash.

My two cents.

Anne

[teigyr]

I'll agree with the fact you should be careful. A normal person would not do a lot of what this guy is doing. It's a shame we have to think so critically about it; darn those scammers!!!

That all being said, it isn't a bad thing to talk to him. Maybe there are reasons why he wants to do it this way. I am fairly impetuous and have been known to make decisions that might seem strange to others. This guy could have viewed your history and seen that you are a straight forward person and that this bike is a good deal. Maybe he had been thinking about getting one and this one seems perfect. Just make sure he has no more info on you than he has to have, that you aren't at risk at any way, and that you aren't scammed.

Despite the fact I can see reasons behind some of his actions, it really doesn't add up. Stand firm and definitely question what's going on.

[makbike]

Thanks guys for you thoughts.

I talked at length with the potential buyer this afternoon. He is wanting to try a fairly inexpensive but quality recumbent before he purchases the high end performance one he has his eyes on to make sure he is a bent guy. It appeared as we talked he was knowledgable about the different grades of components. When I reminded him the bike would come minus the pedals he was okay with that given he uses FROGS.

He has agreed to send me a USPS money order which I will promptly take to the post office to have them scan for authencity. The bike will not be shipped until all the money has been received and I'm sure the PO's are real - again I'll work with the post office on this.

When I explained to him why I wanted the USPS money order he fully understood and never bulked at my request. I guess all I can do is wait and see if the MO he sends is real and go from there.

He did offer PayPal - notme - so again I think this is a real offer. I've never used PayPal but it appears the basic account I signed up for can only have $500 put in each month. Also, if I understand what I've read they will charge me 4% of the cost of the item to transfer the money into my account. I know after the initial $500 is received I can ask that the remainder be paid via PayPal and I may go that route - it is a door which I have not closed.

I personally would not purchase a bike online but that is me - if this is what he wants - an inexpensive, well built bike with excellent components and he is willing to take it sight unseen that is his issue. All I want is my money and hopefully the Postal Service will be there to protect me as we progress through this deal.

I also sent the potential buyer an email outlining the transaction, step by step. I've ask that he either okay it or reject it so I have some proof what we discussed on the phone this afternoon. It may not be worth anything but it offers proof that we have talked and have agreed on a deal.

All I can do is keep my fingers crossed and hope I'm dealing with an honest individual. If not, you guys can all bash me when it is over and toss out the "I tried to warn you" line if necessary.

[mimitabby]

you're doing just fine, Makbike!

[teigyr]

Looks good to me. You were right to be cautious and I'm glad he's working with you

[makbike]

Thanks guys, I hope this turns out well. I appreciate your vote of confidence.

[KnottedYet]

I found my beloved Flosshilde right here on TE. (thank you thank you thank you Limewave!)

I wanted her. I needed her. I had to have her.

I ran out of money...

sigh.

Limewave was wonderfully patient, held the bike for me until I paid for all of it.

Guess I would've sounded like a scammer.

(that's Flossie in my avatar)