Buying a used motorcycle safely

Be wary of prices far below the market and of sellers who only message, say they are abroad or ask for a deposit to “hold” the bike. Scammers copy real listings from other sites, photos and all.

Talk to the seller in the Motoland chat, so the conversation is kept, and arrange to see the bike in daylight, somewhere you feel at ease.

• Ask to see the bike's registration document. The registered keeper must be the seller: check it against their ID.
• The plate and the frame number stamped on the bike must match the document.
• Ask for the service history (service book, invoices). If the listing on Motoland has its service book, the history is already there.

A bike can carry a seizure or a retention of title from an unpaid loan. If it does, don't pay until it is cancelled: the debt goes with the bike.

Check the tyres, brakes, chain, oil leaks, lights and a cold start. If you don't know mechanics, bring someone who does or ask to have it seen at a workshop. For the test ride, bring a helmet and make sure the bike is insured.

• Pay only after you have seen the bike and its papers, ideally on handover and by bank transfer, so there is a record.
• Whoever receives money never needs to go to a Multibanco ATM. If you are asked to, it's a scam.
• Whoever receives money never needs to go to a cash machine. If you are asked to, it's a scam.
• Never share codes from your bank or payment apps.

Register the bike in your name and get your own insurance before you ride: the seller's does not pass to you.

Call your bank at once to block the payments and report it to the police. On Motoland, report the listing or the profile, so nobody else falls for it.