Seems like every time I search for a frame on Ebay, it's full of bogus auctions.
Maybe we should re-name it Fraudbay.

You know the old saying: " A fool and his money are soon parted."

Post a link...I need a good laugh

Seems like every time I search for a frame on Ebay, it's full of bogus auctions.
Maybe we should re-name it Fraudbay.

You know the old saying: " A fool and his money are soon parted."

Still looking?? I've got a 2007 57cm Orca for sale but it's on ebay! Really! If you want, I'll post a link.

There are many of these possible bogus auctions.

When I email for phone numbers, they refuse. I hate it. I'll stick with my local shop.

Yeah, I've reported a number of these auctions and they disappear after a couple of hours. You've got to be careful on eBay in particular and the Internet in general. Lot's of folks out there to take advantage of others.

He has been a member of Ebay for a year. Has zero feedback. He is uninsured with paypal and has $0 buyer protection. When I email him asking for his phone number and requesting to pick it up locally, I never hear back.

Doesn't mean he's a scammer. As for lack of email response, some people immediately delete any email from unknowns asking for their phone number. I do.

Try asking a technical question about the frame.

Here is another possible fraudulent MADONE auction:

A Brand new Madone 5.2 full bike. The seller has been an Ebay member for 4 years and does NOT HAVE ANY FEEDBACK. In his description, he wants you to email at some other email address and not go through Ebay's email. These scammers are everywhere.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Trek-Madone-5-2-Road-Bike-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ200105554784QQihZ010QQcategoryZ98084Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

(http://cgi.ebay.com/Trek-Madone-5-2-Road-Bike-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ200105554784QQihZ010QQcategoryZ98084Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

I'm hoping that you report the questionable auctions that you see.

Doesn't mean he's a scammer. As for lack of email response, some people immediately delete any email from unknowns asking for their phone number. I do.

Try asking a technical question about the frame.

....Scammers know how to answer questions about the scam. If someone won't get back to you or refuses to call and talk to you in person, you can bet is a con. I've had scammers refuse to give out their number. They just want you to wire money to god knows where. If the seller is legit and doesn't have a reputation, then what's a 2 minute phone call for verification?

I've actually had con men take my photos from the forums and post them on ebay as their own bike for sale. I sent an email to Ebay and it was ended immediately. Ebay and Craigslist are loaded with this.

[QUOTE=skygodmatt]


Here is another fraudulent MADONE auction:

A Brand new Madone 5.2 full bike. The seller has been an Ebay member for 4 years and does NOT HAVE ANY FEEDBACK. In his description, he wants you to email at some other email address and not go through Ebay's email. These scammers are everywhere.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Trek-Madone-5-2-Road-Bike-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ200105554784QQihZ010QQcategoryZ98084Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

(http://cgi.ebay.com/Trek-Madone-5-2-Road-Bike-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ200105554784QQihZ010QQcategoryZ98084Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)


Nice saddle on that one.

I'm hoping that you report the questionable auctions that you see.

I do what I can. To report ALL the con auctions would require a full time worker.

Still looking?? I've got a 2007 57cm Orca for sale but it's on ebay! Really! If you want, I'll post a link.

...maybe interested. How much were you looking to get? 57cm Orca has good numbers.

...maybe interested. How much were you looking to get? 57cm Orca has good numbers.

The auction is still active here (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=005&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=150116892683&rd=1&rd=1). The reserve is $2400. I test rode an Orca at my LBS and it's a very nice frameset; light & stiff. Just need to fund my Pergoretti. :D

There are many of these bogus auctions.

This Scammer has a brand new TREK MADONE SL frame for $1500.

He has been a member of Ebay for a year. Has zero feedback. He is uninsured with paypal and has $0 buyer protection. When I email him asking for his phone number and requesting to pick it up locally, I never hear back.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Trek-Madone-frame-SL5-2-56cm_W0QQitemZ130106620724QQihZ003QQcategoryZ98084 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


do you give your phone # to people who request it???

do you give your phone # to people who request it???

If I am trying to sell something and there is someone interested, of course I would give them my phone number. Funny now days how people want to sell stuff but won't talk to you. It's not like giving out a phone number is an identity theft issue. Think how local businesses get established.

Plus keep in mind that buying a new frame off a non-certified dealer voids the warranty.

I do what I can. To report ALL the con auctions would require a full time worker.

True!

Here is another possible fraudulent MADONE auction:

A Brand new Madone 5.2 full bike. The seller has been an Ebay member for 4 years and does NOT HAVE ANY FEEDBACK. In his description, he wants you to email at some other email address and not go through Ebay's email. These scammers are everywhere.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Trek-Madone-5-2-Road-Bike-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ200105554784QQihZ010QQcategoryZ98084Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

(http://cgi.ebay.com/Trek-Madone-5-2-Road-Bike-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ200105554784QQihZ010QQcategoryZ98084Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

Gosh, I hope "Bidder 3" doesn't get ripped off.

Here are a few signs that an eBay bike auction may be a scam:

1. The seller requests you contact him at an email address before bidding.
2. Photos don't match the auction description or appear to match other auctions.
3. Seller does not respond to questions.
4. Low or no feedback.
5. Good feedback, but all previous items sold are doll clothes and figurines (stolen account)
6. Seller has multiple listings for top-end bikes.
7. No shipping charges listed.
8. Item is listed in wrong category
9. Short listing duration, scammers rarely list a 7 day auction
10. Bad grammar in the auction description, indicates a non-native English speaker.
11. A cut and paste description and photos of the item.
12. No reserve, no "buy-it-now" and a low starting price.

Not all auctions that show these signs are scams, but each sign is a clue to be careful. eBay is a prime example of how life really is in the jungle. It's survival of the fittest, and the fittest on eBay are the smartest, most experienced and most cautious.

Here are a few signs that an eBay bike auction may be a scam:

1. The seller requests you contact him at an email address before bidding.
2. Photos don't match the auction description or appear to match other auctions.
3. Seller does not respond to questions.
4. Low or no feedback.
5. Good feedback, but all previous items sold are doll clothes and figurines (stolen account)
6. Seller has multiple listings for top-end bikes.
7. No shipping charges listed.
8. Item is listed in wrong category
9. Short listing duration, scammers rarely list a 7 day auction
10. Bad grammar in the auction description, indicates a non-native English speaker.
11. A cut and paste description and photos of the item.
12. No reserve, no "buy-it-now" and a low starting price.

Not all auctions that show these signs are scams, but each sign is a clue to be careful. eBay is a prime example of how life really is in the jungle. It's survival of the fittest, and the fittest on eBay are the smartest, most experienced and most cautious.

This is a good list but your last paragragh really says it all. Gotta be careful.

I have purchased several frames on ebay in the last several years, another just last week, maybe I've just been lucky. However, I won't bid on one from someone who doesn't have a lot of positive feedback, either 100% or near perfect feedback, and I always look to see what the person has either bought or sold recently, if not almost exclusively bike related, I look elsewhere. As noted above, if someone has only been selling doll clothes, etc. or you seen a "new" member with 0 feedback, and now the seller has a $2,500 frame for sale, I wouldn't even think of bidding on it.
My last ebay frame was a Fondriest that I purchased from a bike shop whose name I happened to recognize and which was selling old inventory. Those are usually pretty safe bets.
Bottom line is don't try to get "too good of a deal" as it will likely lead to a really bad deal on your end.

I have purchased several frames on ebay in the last several years, another just last week, maybe I've just been lucky. However, I won't bid on one from someone who doesn't have a lot of positive feedback, either 100% or near perfect feedback, and I always look to see what the person has either bought or sold recently, if not almost exclusively bike related, I look elsewhere. As noted above, if someone has only been selling doll clothes, etc. or you seen a "new" member with 0 feedback, and now the seller has a $2,500 frame for sale, I wouldn't even think of bidding on it.
My last ebay frame was a Fondriest that I purchased from a bike shop whose name I happened to recognize and which was selling old inventory. Those are usually pretty safe bets.
Bottom line is don't try to get "too good of a deal" as it will likely lead to a really bad deal on your end.

One other thing to note is to watch your own eBay account carefully. My account was hijacked around Christmas by someone who created ~30 24 hour auctions for DVD series with Buy-It-Now. I caught a "question to the seller" and immediately notified eBay and the auctions were summarily removed.

Here are a few signs that an eBay bike auction may be a scam:

1. The seller requests you contact him at an email address before bidding.
2. Photos don't match the auction description or appear to match other auctions.
3. Seller does not respond to questions.
4. Low or no feedback.
5. Good feedback, but all previous items sold are doll clothes and figurines (stolen account)
6. Seller has multiple listings for top-end bikes.
7. No shipping charges listed.
8. Item is listed in wrong category
9. Short listing duration, scammers rarely list a 7 day auction
10. Bad grammar in the auction description, indicates a non-native English speaker.
11. A cut and paste description and photos of the item.
12. No reserve, no "buy-it-now" and a low starting price.

Not all auctions that show these signs are scams, but each sign is a clue to be careful. eBay is a prime example of how life really is in the jungle. It's survival of the fittest, and the fittest on eBay are the smartest, most experienced and most cautious.

I have never bought a high end item on ebay, but I think that the large majority of the high end bikes on ebay are legit. I personally would be hesitant to send two or three thousand dollars to some guy across the country without any guarantee of getting something in return however. I don't agree with number 12 at all. Starting with a low starting price and no reserve is commonly thought of as smart marketing in the ebay world. I saw a DeRosa Merak that was started with a reserve that was never met. Finally after two or three tries, the seller started the bidding at zero, and and got his reserve price.
Also I don't agree with the no shipping charges listed. The only real way of getting accurate shipping charges is to box and weigh the item, something most people don't do, and shouldn't do before an an auction (you will doubtlessly be asked for some measurement you have forgotten to include, or the serial number off the bb.) In order to get shipping charges you will need to know the diameter of your packaging. In addition, if you are scamming someone, why wouldn't you include the shipping charges? That's extra money in your pocket when you have no intention of shipping anyway.
Bad grammer? I dunno bout that?

There is a pretty good auction for a Colnago Oval Krono up right now. I feel as though it is a scam, but I could be wrong. The seller us using the same photos that another seller used for the frame (i.e., flashcycle). According to the ad, the seller is moving from the East Coast to Durango, CO, and that is the reason he needs to sell the frame and other cycling stuff (i.e., to get rid of things for the move). Durango, CO is where some of the team members that used these frames are out of. The starting point is 99 cents. I wouldn't bid on this auction at all, but there is nothing I can report to e-bay to get them to remove the auction. He hasn't used an e-mail address within the auction and the other auction by flashcycle occurred back in November. The only reason I know the pics is because I bid on the frame both times it was listed, and finally bought a different frame from the seller. Further, this is the only photo of any frame that I have ever seen with the chain still on the frame after the frame was totally stripped. This is a slick ad.

I have never bought a high end item on ebay, but I think that the large majority of the high end bikes on ebay are legit. I personally would be hesitant to send two or three thousand dollars to some guy across the country without any guarantee of getting something in return however. I don't agree with number 12 at all. Starting with a low starting price and no reserve is commonly thought of as smart marketing in the ebay world. I saw a DeRosa Merak that was started with a reserve that was never met. Finally after two or three tries, the seller started the bidding at zero, and and got his reserve price.
Also I don't agree with the no shipping charges listed. The only real way of getting accurate shipping charges is to box and weigh the item, something most people don't do, and shouldn't do before an an auction (you will doubtlessly be asked for some measurement you have forgotten to include, or the serial number off the bb.) In order to get shipping charges you will need to know the diameter of your packaging. In addition, if you are scamming someone, why wouldn't you include the shipping charges? That's extra money in your pocket when you have no intention of shipping anyway.
Bad grammer? I dunno bout that?

The signs I listed are just that, signs. Not every auction that displays these signs is a scam.

Scammers don't list with reserve or buy it now because it will confuse or delay payment. They want to catch someone quickly and take the auction down before they get caught.

No or low shipping charges are another sign, because it's just another way to hook in a gullible buyer and less hassle for the scammer. In 99% of cases, a legitimate seller will know what it costs to ship a bike or will indicate how shipping will be determined. An experienced and reliable seller will always indicate shipping.

A great number of scams originate from Eastern Europe and Asia. Their command of the English language isn't always perfect. Just another sign. Bad grammar could indicate a scammer or a just a moron. In either case you're probably better off not dealing with them.

Like I said before. If you're going to buy something that is thousands of dollars and the seller objects to talking to you on the phone---that's a scam. What's the deal with business today?
Everyone wants to sell stuff, but no-one wants to talk to anyone? That's just ridiculous.

....Scammers know how to answer questions about the scam. If someone won't get back to you or refuses to call and talk to you in person, you can bet is a con. I've had scammers refuse to give out their number. They just want you to wire money to god knows where. If the seller is legit and doesn't have a reputation, then what's a 2 minute phone call for verification?

I've actually had con men take my photos from the forums and post them on ebay as their own bike for sale. I sent an email to Ebay and it was ended immediately. Ebay and Craigslist are loaded with this.

I've sold a number of frames/bike on ebay and never had to provide my phone number nor would I. I'm not a scammer I just don't want to give out my cell number to stangers.

There is a pretty good auction for a Colnago Oval Krono up right now. I feel as though it is a scam, but I could be wrong. The seller us using the same photos that another seller used for the frame (i.e., flashcycle). According to the ad, the seller is moving from the East Coast to Durango, CO, and that is the reason he needs to sell the frame and other cycling stuff (i.e., to get rid of things for the move). Durango, CO is where some of the team members that used these frames are out of. The starting point is 99 cents. I wouldn't bid on this auction at all, but there is nothing I can report to e-bay to get them to remove the auction. He hasn't used an e-mail address within the auction and the other auction by flashcycle occurred back in November. The only reason I know the pics is because I bid on the frame both times it was listed, and finally bought a different frame from the seller. Further, this is the only photo of any frame that I have ever seen with the chain still on the frame after the frame was totally stripped. This is a slick ad.
seems to be ligit except for using another picture. He answered questions about the frame correctly, seems to know what he is talking about, past purchaser of cycling equipment. If I didn't know that he used someone elses picture (big warning sign!) I would probably buy it from him if I liked the price. He may be blowing out some of his collection due to space at the new house/condo/etc.

Ebay scams:

1) Sometimes Ebay is fixed. The seller lists something at a stupid low amount. This is to avoid ebay fees. Then, everyone watches it. Next, he has a few buddies drive the bidding up to a reasonable amount--so you won't get as good of a deal as you thought.

2) Sellers that don't have any feedback and try to sell their first item that lists for many thousands of dollars. This a a red flag.

3) Sellers that list a different email address as what is listed with Ebay. Then they say "before you bid you have to email me"--at that con man address.

4) Sellers that send you a "Second Chance" offer after the auction has ended. This is a really big scam today. The con man has nothing to do with that auction and sets up a Ebay look alike email.

5) Seller sells Defective and blemished items. You win a allegedly "NEW" item. Then you receive the frame you notice it has chips and was welded crooked. ( this happened to me ).

6) You get a "new" frame and save a few hundred dollars. Then, when it develops a crack, you find out the manufacturer won't warranty it since you are NOT the ORIGINAL OWNER.
So now you are out a lot more money that if you had bought it from an AUTHORIZED dealer.

7) Sellers also sometimes sell "fake" frames. This was the case with COLNAGO and CHRIS KING a few years back. They were copies and buyers lost thousands. Then, when they broke, there was nothing they could do.


-----Whenever I sell something on Ebay, I give my phone number and information to buyers who ask or who win the item so they can feel secure and they know it's legit. If I buy something expensive, I usually want a phone number. If they don't give it, I don't pay.
Simple. I have not been denied yet.

Matt P.

I've sold a number of frames/bike on ebay and never had to provide my phone number nor would I. I'm not a scammer I just don't want to give out my cell number to stangers.

I don't think that the seller needs to give out their phone number but, by the same token, I believe that good communication is required. That means that the seller needs to answer questions promptly and give good info. I hate auctions where you hear nothing from the seller and I will generally stay away from those auctions. Read the feedback.

Red Sox,

I wish I could bring up the previous ad for this frame and show it to you. It is very similar. The mistake about the 53.5 TT length in one paragraph and then the statement below about it being a 54 TT length is the same as the original ad. The pics are the same. The description is the same and the guy I was dealing with on my Oval Krono was a mananger of the Colorado Premier Training team. Granted, some people had pretty bad experiences on here with him. Mine went somewhat well, but I will admit that I was slightly worried about receiving the frame.

A good question for this guy to find out if the sale is legit would be what pro team is "CPT" and can I get a picture of the frame with today's newspaper, or just ask for pics of the frame that are not already posted. For instance, can I get a pic of the inside of the rear triangle? Can I get pics of the places where there are scuffs on the frame?

Who knows, maybe this is a legit sale from a guy that bought the frame from CPT and decided that he no longer wants to use it. Me, I just finished building mine up and am waiting tires for the front and rear and on a hub and spokes so I can build a 303 front for it and take it out for a spin.

If it has not been mentioned the seller does not welcome local pick up after you contact them and ask if it is OK also the use of hotmail addresses as well and when you do reply to a response they bounce back.

Also you have to be careful of people who try to extort more money from you for shipping after you place the funds into their account. It happened to me but I had a counter method that made the seller think twice.

Red Sox,

If you look at the seller's answer to question #2, you will notice another problem. The Oval Krono was not offered in 2006 or 2007, only the carbon fiber C50 Krono. So, does the guy really know what he is talking about? Also, if you try to google Colnago Oval Krono, you really do not get many hits. Trust me, I googled it a bunch of times when I was thinking about bidding on one. This auction just seems a little suspect to me. Granted, it isn't screaming fraud, but it would have me thinking twice if I was bidding on it.

Knowing that the pics are from a previous auction, there is no way I would ever bid on it as well. Probably isn't a scam, but it could be. I'm sending him a question asking why he is using pictures from another auction and see if he responds.

I just checked the ad out again and there appears to be $2,000 of ebay provided insurance on the item, so even if it is a scam it should be completely covered because that frame should not go for more than $1,000. Bid away on it and if you never receive it just put a claim into ebay for it. However, you need to use Paypal for the insurance to be applicable.

Personally, I think sellers on ebay should be bonded to some degree if they are selling something over a certain dollar amount.

just sent him an email saying that I thought I saw these same pictures last year but I could be wrong but would feel better about it if he sent me a picture of it with today's newspaper in the background to verify that it is in his possession. More out of curiousity than anything else (frame is way too small for me). Should be interesting to see if I get a response.

Just a note. That Oval Krono sold on May 9 and there has been no feedback from the buyer yet stating that he received the frame and everything went smoothly. I'll give it another week and then I'll try to see what the buyer has to say.

The signs I listed are just that, signs. Not every auction that displays these signs is a scam.

Scammers don't list with reserve or buy it now because it will confuse or delay payment. They want to catch someone quickly and take the auction down before they get caught.

No or low shipping charges are another sign, because it's just another way to hook in a gullible buyer and less hassle for the scammer. In 99% of cases, a legitimate seller will know what it costs to ship a bike or will indicate how shipping will be determined. An experienced and reliable seller will always indicate shipping.

A great number of scams originate from Eastern Europe and Asia. Their command of the English language isn't always perfect. Just another sign. Bad grammar could indicate a scammer or a just a moron. In either case you're probably better off not dealing with them.
Thanks about that last paragraph. It be understandably true. (but) At the same time, a difficult position for those who be handicapped -- with the dyslexia they have. Causing typos & reversed wording to be made. Sure, there is proofreading; but that still not be enough. The more patient and understanding --- accept such.