first visit...Is this a motorcycle scam?

I went to CL 2 days ago looking for a local motorcycle to buy. I found a ad on CL that directed me to a website. http://www.flashmotorcycle.com The website said that it bought bank repo motorcycle's and resold them.

OK..First sign was that the price for a fairly new motorcycle is near 4500 USD, which includes shipping to all of the 48 States.

2nd sign, I then called the website and spoke to Nate to ask about the lower cost if I decided that I could come and pick up the bike. Nate said that the bike would cost the same. They stated that they have a account at DAS. DAS said they don't have a record of that company.

3rd sign, I called a few places in Florida where the company said it was based and they have no record of the business. I then called back and spoke to NATE, about doing financing for the bikes.

4th sign and the big kicker, He then told me to fill out the application form and email it to them, with a copy of Soc sec card, DL, date of birth and all other pertinent info. Does anyone else have any information on http://www.flashmotorcycle.com? Help me!!

Took a quick look before I head to my bed.

A simple Google search brings up these links:
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/flashmotorcyclecom-c146950.html

http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/mcy/986767819.html

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/4 ... 402793.htm

And many many more.

It is almost certainly a scam or a company with extremely shady dealings. My advice is to stay away. I will dig a bit more in the morning.

Cheers

Larretta

As a motorcyclist myself, I have to say the same as Laretta. There is sufficient information around to suggest that caution is strongly advised.

I had a quick look at the website.

Free website on Yahoo, registered on 17th November 2008 and for one year. Registrant is masking their identity using privacy protect.

The address given appears to be a rural road in Florida with very few buildings. It also appears to be the address of a storage company called "Controlled Self-Storage Llc" as the address generated many hits - there's one here http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Controlled.Self.Storage.850-267-4580

The phone 305-509-2435 appears to be a cell phone originally from Marathon, Florida (my usual phone checker tool is down, so I'm not 100% on this), which is in the Florida Keys over 700 miles from the address. The alternative number 850-419-1102 is also a cell phone originally from De Funiak Springs, Florida - about 40 miles from the address.

But the clincher for me is that the testimonials appear to have been stolen from the National Power Sports Websites here http://www.nationalpowersports.net/testimonials.aspx - National Power Sports appears to be legitimate from a quick look.

So I'd say Flash Motorcycles is either a complete scam, or very shady.

Welcome soldier

The others have already givin some great advice and there should be no doubt in your mind now that it is a scam.

Friends of mine lost a large amount of money in a similiar scam when purchasing a car, I found out about it the day after they sent money and they were waiting for their car to be shipped.

Once I found out I was able to let them know what had happened and gave them the bad news but also suggested that the scammers would try to get more money from them, firstly by telling them about unexpected taxes that had to be paid and later by a recovery scam, I was right on both counts and luckily my friends didn't lose any more money.

Always buy local if possible
Check the credentials of the seller
if you have to pay a copurier company for delivery, arrange it yourself
Use google to check some of the phrases in the emails
Ask for specific photos
Never use western union or moneygram for payments

There are many ways you can ensure that the sale is all above board, any real buyer will be happy to prove they are legitimate so make sure yoiu are comfortable and ask as many questions of the buyer as you need to.

Also remember that sellers are targeted in scams as well so be prepared to answer similiar questions for the seller if need be

Just for the sake of completeness, the phone-checker tool is now back and I can confirm that both the numbers on the Flash Motorcycles website are cell phones.