The names and the bikes (with real photos) may change, but DON'T agree to a third party shipper - this is a fake company and website (e.g., World Shipping). Ask for the seller's telephone number and speak to them in person. If you are willing to send them money, they should be willing to let you know who they are and where they live. Overseas scammers won't be able to give you a number, of course. If a mailbox is full, it is a fake number!

Only accept real shipping companies (UPS, DHL, FedEx). Ask for a photo of the bike with today's newspaper from their hometown if in doubt.

George Hendry listing of a Santa Cruz Blur is an example ofthis scam - expect the name and bike to change, but the same method of scamming. Beware who and how you pay!

My neighbor was scammed out of a BMW M5 he supposively ordered from Munich. The seller told him to use a certain third party company, which he agreed to. Ended up a costly mistake, 85,000 to be exact, yet he did get to appear on an Oprah special on high price scams; his story certainly was the most costly over anyone elses. Couldve bought a lot of nice cycling related products instead!

OK, I think we have a winner for the "Moron of the Year" award with that one.....