BRADFORD District Police are aware of a scam involving people buying motorbikes over social media sites like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree. 

There have been a number of cases where a motorbike has been provisionally sold online, then when the exchange has taken place in the Bradford district, the people buying the bike have either stolen it by taking it for a test ride or used a fake banking app to show that the funds have been transferred and then take the bike as the victim thinks they have been paid. 

Often the victim is left with no money and no motorbike. It appears the victims have usually travelled from outside the district to sell the motorbike. 
The latest incident happened on Wenborough Lane, Tong, on January 8 where the victim advertised a bike for sale and the suspect agreed to buy it. While the victim was waiting for the bank transfer to go through, the suspect got on the bike without making payment. A crime of theft of a motor vehicle has been recorded and is being investigated. 

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Farrell, of West Yorkshire Police, said:"We are aware of this type of scam and are unfortunately seeing several people becoming victims. 

"I would like to warn people to be extra careful when selling motorbikes online, a number of these suspects tend to set up fake social media sites. 

"Thoroughly check the profile of who you are selling too and if there is similar reviews this could be an indication the profile is fake. 

"If it sounds like you’ve been a victim of a similar crime, please report it to us so we can investigate.”
 Officers from West Yorkshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit have issued the following tips to ensure people don’t fall victim to the scam:

DO:

  • Check the buyer’s review history and feedback from other reviewers. Beware of accounts that may have been set up very recently with lots of favourable feedback that sounds similar, this could be an indication of fake reviews.
  • Always use the site’s recommended payment site (such as PayPal) and read the terms and conditions to understand what you are protected for. If you pay any other way than via a recommended payment site, you may not be able to recover your money.
  • If you make payments in cash, consider carrying this out at yours or the seller’s bank premises for added protection. 
  • Avoid direct bank transfers where possible.  Use known third party payment providers after checking terms and conditions.
  • If payment is made via bank transfer, always check with your own bank if any payment is shown pending.
  • Keep hold of any property until you have received confirmation from your bank that the payment has been received successfully.
  • Trust your instincts, decline the sale if you have any doubts.

DON’T: 

  • Allow the buyer to change the original agreed meeting place.
  • Hand over any goods until money is confirmed in your account.
  • Allow the buyer to rush you in an effort to persuade you that payment has been made.

Call 101 to report an incident or go online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat
 

Want to keep up with all the latest court and crime news? Join our Bradford Crime & Breaking News Facebook group

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or contact us here, or call us on 01274 705292.