Recognising scams on Nettimoto
Buying and selling motorcycles online is popular via Nettimoto and other platforms, but unfortunately scammers have found this market too. On this page we explain how to recognise scams in motorcycle trading and how to protect yourself from them.
Special features of motorcycle trading
Buying and selling motorcycles online has special features that make them more susceptible to certain types of scams. Motorcycles are technically complex and emotionally appealing products, which can cloud the buyer’s judgement.
- A seasonal product - Motorcycle trading is seasonal, which creates pressure on purchase decisions especially at the threshold of spring.
- Technical complexity - Motorcycles have many technical details whose checking requires expertise.
- Emotion-based purchase decisions - Many people buy a motorcycle out of passion, which can weaken critical judgement.
- Imported motorcycles - A significant proportion of the motorcycles on the market are imported from abroad, which increases uncertainty about origin and history.
- Valuable spare parts - Motorcycle parts are valuable, which tempts people to sell faulty motorcycles or hide shortcomings.
- Hobby motorcycles - The usage history of hobby vehicles can be complicated, for example racing use or falls.
- Winter storage - Motorcycles are often in storage in winter, which makes inspection harder and creates opportunities for scams.
The most common scams in motorcycle trading
- Falsifying the odometer reading - Changing the motorcycle’s odometer reading to a lower figure raises its value significantly.
- Crashed motorcycles - Selling badly crashed and poorly repaired motorcycles without mentioning the damage history.
- Incorrect information about the origin - Hiding the motorcycle’s country of origin or import method, for example selling a motorcycle imported from the USA without mentioning it.
- A non-existent motorcycle - The seller advertises a motorcycle that does not exist or that they do not own and tries to get an advance payment.
- Forged documents - Forging registration certificates, service history or inspection documents.
- Selling tuning that has not been done - Exaggerating the motorcycle’s power without real modifications or official measurements.
- Hidden technical problems - Concealing serious technical problems (oil leaks, engine noises, gearbox problems) for the duration of the deal.
- Stolen equipment - Selling stolen motorcycles or parts using forged documents.
- Changing model markings - Presenting the motorcycle as a newer or more valuable model than it actually is.
How to recognise a trustworthy motorcycle seller?
In motorcycle trading, assessing the seller’s trustworthiness is of the utmost importance. With these tips you can assess a seller’s trustworthiness:
A trustworthy seller answers enquiries quickly, knowledgeably and accurately. They know their motorcycle’s history and features and give honest information about small faults too. Poor or vague communication is a warning sign.
A carefully prepared listing with accurate technical details and several high-quality photos from different sides of the motorcycle is often a sign of an honest seller. Inaccurate photos or photos copied from internet image banks are a warning sign.
If the seller is a business, check its reputation and reviews online. For a private seller, ask to see an identity document when you meet. You can also look up information about the seller by googling the name and phone number.
Compare the motorcycle’s price with other similar models. A motorcycle sold clearly below the market price is often a sign of a hidden problem or a scam. An unusually high price without clear grounds can also indicate dishonesty.
Checking the motorcycle’s condition and documents
A careful inspection of the motorcycle and a review of the documents are key to avoiding scams:
- Check the frame number (VIN) - Make sure the frame number matches the number in the registration certificate. See whether there are signs of deliberate obscuring or alteration.
- Ask for the service booklet and receipts - The service history tells you a lot about the motorcycle’s upkeep. Regular servicing and oil changes are a sign of a well-kept motorcycle.
- Check the registration certificate - Make sure the registration certificate is genuine and that the seller is recorded as the owner. Pay attention to any usage restrictions or insurance company notes.
- Do a test ride - Always test ride the motorcycle when possible. Pay attention to its behaviour in all gears, the brakes, the clutch’s operation and the engine sounds.
- Check the oils and fluids - Check the amount and quality of the engine oil, gearbox oil, coolant and brake fluid. Cloudy or dirty fluids can indicate neglected maintenance.
- Examine any crash marks - Look for signs of fall damage: scratches on the fairings, bent brake levers, repaired or replaced parts and unusual solutions.
- Confirm that the odometer reading is genuine - Check whether the odometer reading matches the service history and the motorcycle’s general level of wear. Inconsistencies are a warning sign.
The risks of motorcycles imported from abroad
A significant proportion of the used motorcycles sold in Finland are imported from abroad. These involve particular risks:
Many motorcycles are imported to Finland from the USA. Their insurance history should be checked, as many have been crashed or flood-damaged (Salvage Title). See whether the motorcycle has an MPH (miles) or KMH speedometer.
Motorcycles imported from European countries may have different technical regulations. Check that the motorcycle has been modified to meet Finnish requirements (lights, reflectors, etc.). Ask to see any modification inspection certificate.
Ask to see the motorcycle’s customs paper (SAD form), the car tax decision and any previous foreign registration certificates. Buying a motorcycle without proper import documents can cause problems later.
The service history of motorcycles imported from abroad may be incomplete or difficult to verify. Check whether a service booklet is available and whether it has entries about foreign service. Stamps from authorised dealers give confirmation of the service history.
Payment methods and safety of the deal
Choosing the right payment method is an important part of safe motorcycle trading:
- Avoid advance payments - Never pay for a motorcycle without seeing it, not even partly in advance, no matter how much the seller pressures you into a booking fee.
- Cash deal - Cash is a common payment method in motorcycle deals. Large sums should be paid at a bank and a receipt taken.
- Bank transfer - A bank transfer is safe when it is made at the time the bill of sale is signed and the motorcycle is handed over. Use an instant payment where possible.
- Escrow services - Consider an escrow service where a reliable third party holds the payment until both parties are satisfied.
- Avoid suspicious payment methods - Be careful if the seller asks for payment by Western Union, MoneyGram, Bitcoin payments or gift cards.
- Beware of foreign account numbers - If the seller asks for payment to a foreign account, it is probably a scam.
Payment requests sent in Nettimoto’s name and transport service scam
Nettimoto has itself warned about scams in which the seller or buyer is approached in the service’s name. Remember two things: Nettimoto never charges a booking or advance fee for a deal, and Nettimoto does not offer any transport or delivery service for the vehicle. If you receive a message in Nettimoto’s name asking you to pay a booking fee, "confirm" a payment via a link or order a transport, it is a scam. Do not click the link and do not enter payment details. Always agree on payment and collection directly with the other party, in person at the time the motorcycle is handed over.
Fake payment screen - check the archiving reference
One scam against the seller is a fake payment screen: the buyer shows on their phone or sends an image of a "successful" bank transfer that looks completely genuine, even though no money is coming. Nettimoto reminds us that a genuine Finnish bank transfer always shows an archiving reference - if it is missing, the transfer has not actually been made. Never hand over the motorcycle or its papers before you have confirmed, via your own online bank, that the money is really in your account. A screenshot or payment screen shown by the buyer alone is not enough.
Fiksut kaupat and verified payment
Nettimoto’s Fiksut kaupat service is a safe way to make a private deal: both parties identify themselves electronically, the bill of sale is signed electronically, and the money is transferred to the seller only once the buyer has confirmed receipt of the motorcycle. This way neither is scammed on the payment. When you deal with a stranger, a verified payment protects clearly better than a direct bank transfer or cash before the motorcycle is handed over.
Bill of sale and insurance
A carefully drawn-up bill of sale and well-timed insurance protect both the buyer and the seller:
Use ready-made bill-of-sale templates for motorcycles that contain all the essential points. The bill-of-sale templates from Nettimoto or Motot.net are good starting points.
The bill of sale should contain the motorcycle’s complete details: make, model, model year, frame number, odometer reading, registration number, the parties’ details, purchase price, payment method and an accurate description of the motorcycle’s condition.
Clearly specify whether the motorcycle is sold "as is" or whether the deal includes some guarantee. If it is sold without a guarantee, still record all known faults and shortcomings in the bill of sale.
Put the traffic insurance into force from the day of the deal. The owner must make a register notification within 7 days of the deal. Check insurance offers in advance, as there are large differences in motorcycle insurance prices.
What to do if you suspect a scam in motorcycle trading?
If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam in motorcycle trading, follow these instructions:
Save all messages, images, payment receipts, bills of sale and any technical inspections. Take screenshots of the listing before it is possibly removed.
First communicate about the problem with the seller, preferably in writing, so that everything leaves a trace. Describe the problem accurately and neutrally, and propose a solution.
If the deal was made via Nettimoto or another online platform, report the scam to the service’s administrator. They can remove the seller’s other listings and possibly prevent further scams. Nettimoto’s scam instructions can be found at nettimoto.com, and you can verify that a suspicious contact is genuine with Nettimoto’s customer service at asiakaspalvelu@almaajo.fi.
If it is a clear fraud, such as a non-existent motorcycle, payment without delivery or the deliberate provision of false information, file a police report. You can do it online on the police website or at the nearest police station.
If you bought the motorcycle from a business, you can contact consumer advice. In a private deal you can seek legal help if necessary, especially if the amount is significant. Legal aid offices offer affordable advice.
Summary: checklist for safe motorcycle trading
- Do not rush - Decisions made in a hurry are often bad decisions. Reserve enough time to investigate.
- Get to know the motorcycle’s market value - Find out the realistic price level. A motorcycle that is too cheap or too expensive requires special attention.
- Assess the seller’s trustworthiness - Find out the seller’s background and the honesty of the communication. Trust your instinct if something feels suspicious.
- Check the documents carefully - Confirm that the registration certificate, service history and other documents are genuine and consistent.
- Examine the motorcycle thoroughly - Test ride and check the motorcycle carefully. Suspicious noises, leaks or signs of wear are warning signs.
- Confirm the frame and engine numbers - Check that the numbers match the documents and that they have not been tampered with.
- Use safe payment methods - Pay only once you have seen and accepted the motorcycle. Avoid advance payments.
- Draw up a comprehensive bill of sale - Make sure everything agreed and the motorcycle’s condition is documented in writing.
- Handle insurance and registration matters immediately - Put insurance into force from the moment of the deal and make the register notification in time.