Recognizing Scams

Most scam attempts involve one or more of the following:

  • Vague initial inquiry with poor grammar/ spelling. Ex: asking about “the item.”
  • Email or text from someone that is not in your local area.
  • Scammers prefer to pay via cashier/certified checks, money orders, or PayPal.
  • Scammers may pretend to be unable to speak by phone or try to direct you away from messaging on RumbleOn.com (they prefer to communicate by text/email).
  • Inability or refusal to meet face to face to complete the transaction.

Common Scams

  1. A person offers or sends a genuine looking cashier’s check:
    • You receive an email or text offering to pay for your vehicle in advance without meeting you in person.
    • Scammers usually “provide funds” with a stolen card or bank account.
    • Banks will cash fake checks and then hold you responsible when the check fails to clear, sometimes including criminal prosecution.
    • These scams often pretend to involve a 3rd party (business associate, shipping agent, etc.).

How to avoid:

Don't call the number printed on the check; it could be phony, too. Find the bank's phone number online, call it, then give the bank the check number and the name of the purchaser to verify the check is genuine. Likewise, you should take the proper steps to verify a money order.

    2. PayPal overpayment:
    • You receive a PayPal payment that is more than the purchase price and are asked to wire them the difference.
    • They might say the extra money is for the shipping costs or they accidentally overpaid you.
    • Again, scammers usually “provide funds” with a stolen card or bank account.

How to avoid:

Don't wire money to someone you don't know. Both parties should cancel the erroneous transaction and allow the payer to start fresh, resending the correct amount. If they refuse, contact PayPal support right away.

PayPal phishing:

  • The goal of phishing is to obtain your secure information, passwords, or account numbers.
  • Phishing scams involves sending an email that fraudulently claims to be from a well-known company (like PayPal).
  • Phishing emails often ask for the reader to reply, call a phone number, or click on a link.
  • Fake PayPal emails will tend to use impersonal, generic greetings such as, ‘Dear Customer’ or ‘Dear User’.
  • The link will lead you to fake or "spoof" websites in an attempt to steal your information.

How to avoid:

  • Spelling and grammar mistakes: look for errors in the message and Web addresses that do not match the service’s official address. 
  • Check the sender’s email address: an official email from PayPal will always come from @paypal.com. Hover over the name in the email to see the actual email address.
  • Fake PayPal emails will tend to use impersonal, generic greetings such as, ‘Dear Customer’ or ‘Dear User’.
  • PayPal will never send customers an email asking them to supply their full name, bank account number, password, or provide answers to security questions.
  • PayPal will never send customers emails with attachments or links to download software.
  • Hover your mouse over the link in an email to see its true destination.
  • PayPal has advised that if there was an urgent matter on your account, further information could be found by logging into your account through the official website.

Actual scam messages sent to RumbleOn users:

Hello..My name is Michael from rumbleon..I am interested in your 2007 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electra Glide.

Hello, Is your posting still available for sale? If yes kindly text me on [ phone number ].

Can i have my mover pick it up once you have been paid? As am out of town for my Pre-Deployment Training for the Marine Corps but we can proceed with payment & pick up

I'd willing to buy if you take a bank certified check because i can't remit cash from here as this is coming impromptu and once you cashed and all funds fully cleared, we can discuss about suitable time for pick up. If this work for you, send me the name you want on the check and the address to mail it to

Thank you for your response..I really love it and am buying it for my daughter as soon as you agree the price...kindly let me know the final price

Thank you so much.. Yes I love it Thanks, let's consider the deal sealed.due to the COVID-19 and we are taken precautionary measure, I will be using the services of a mover who will come on my behalf, to check the condition and pick up. I will send a Cashier Check to cover the cost. Do provide a name to be on the check, full address, phone no and final price, it will be required in order to issue and mail out the check. Please mark the ad as reserved/sold. Pick up will be made after the check has cleared..Thank you

Price is fine by me, is paying through a Certified Bank Cashiers Check or Money Order acceptable because am not in Town as we speak, then have it picked after payment is received and Cashed or cleared into your bank account?