Trade safely

Most buyers and sellers are enthusiasts just like you. With this comprehensive guide you will spot the exceptions in time, and know exactly what to do.

The 10 golden rules

1Never pay in advance for something you haven't seen yourself.
2Keep all contact in messages on De Bromfietsbeurs.
3Never click payment or 'verification' links that someone sends you.
4Never pass on codes, passwords or login details, to anyone.
5Never send a copy of your ID to a stranger.
6Always inspect a vehicle yourself and check the papers and the frame number.
7Do the RDW registration check before buying a vehicle with a registration number.
8Only hand over the registration transfer code once the money has really arrived.
9Too good to be true? Then it usually is.
10In doubt? Stop, talk to someone you trust, and report it to us.

Recognising fraud

Scammers keep using the same tricks, dressed up in new ways. If you know them, you'll recognise them. Below are the most common ones, with how to spot them and what to do.

Fake payment link or 'verification payment'
How to spot it: You receive a link to 'receive' the money, 'verify' your account or pay a few cents as a check. The page looks like it belongs to a bank or payment service, but it is fake and steals your details.
What to do: To receive money you never have to click a link, log in or pay anything. Don't click, and report the user.
Luring you to WhatsApp or email
How to spot it: Someone quickly asks for your phone number or email address, 'because the site isn't working properly' or 'because it's easier'. Outside the site there is no oversight and no evidence.
What to do: Keep in touch via messages on the site. Only share your details once you really trust the other person.
Fake customer service or copycat website
How to spot it: Someone pretends to work for De Bromfietsbeurs, a bank or a delivery service, or sends you to a site that looks like ours.
What to do: We will never ask you for bank details, codes or your password, and we only email from @debromfietsbeurs.nl. Always check the web address in the address bar.
Paying in advance for something that doesn't exist
How to spot it: A beautiful classic at a low price, but the seller is 'abroad', 'travelling' or 'only ships'. You pay up front and never hear from them again.
What to do: Only pay once you have seen the vehicle yourself and can take it with you. Never pay a deposit to 'hold' something.
Overpaid, 'please refund the difference'
How to spot it: A buyer 'accidentally pays too much' and asks you to transfer the difference back. The first payment turns out to be fake or is reversed.
What to do: Check in your own banking app that the money has really been credited. Never refund anything; let the buyer sort it out.
Fake screenshot of a payment
How to spot it: You receive a screenshot as 'proof' that the money has been transferred, or of a message 'from De Bromfietsbeurs'. Screenshots are easy to fake.
What to do: Only trust your own banking app or bank account. Don't hand anything over until the money is visible there.
A courier who pays and collects
How to spot it: The buyer can't come in person and sends 'a courier' who supposedly pays, or you first have to pay 'shipping costs' or 'insurance' for that courier.
What to do: Agree that the buyer comes in person, or that you ship after receiving the money. Never pay costs for the other person's courier.
Being asked for a copy of your ID
How to spot it: To 'make sure who you are', you are asked for a photo of your passport or driving licence. Scammers can use it to apply for loans or accounts in your name.
What to do: Never send a copy of your ID to a stranger. During a test ride only show your ID, and if in doubt make a copy with the Dutch government's KopieID app (with your citizen service number crossed out).
Being asked for a code from a text message
How to spot it: You receive a code by text or in an app, and someone asks you to 'just forward it'. With it they take over your account, WhatsApp or banking app.
What to do: A code is for you only. Never pass it on, not even to someone who says it's for the payment or the shipping.
Pressure and haste
How to spot it: 'There are three other buyers', 'pay today', 'or your account will be blocked'. Rushing you is a well-known way to make you forget to think.
What to do: Always take your time. An honest buyer or seller will wait a little. If it gets too urgent, stop.
Stolen or 'copied' listing
How to spot it: Photos and text have been taken from another site or listing, sometimes with a much lower price.
What to do: Look up the photos with an image search engine. Ask for an extra photo with something recognisable in it, such as a note with the date.
Hijacked account
How to spot it: An account that has existed for a long time suddenly posts listings that don't fit. Scammers sometimes use stolen accounts to seem trustworthy.
What to do: Watch out for listings that don't match the profile and stick to the golden rules even then. Report it if something isn't right.

Signs that something is wrong

The price is far below what comparable mopeds or motorcycles cost.
The other person wants to leave the site quickly, or only responds outside the site.
You have to pay, log in or 'verify' something via a link.
The seller can never meet up, but does want money quickly.
The story changes, or questions are dodged.
The account has just been created and has no other listings.
The language and text seem translated or copied.
You feel pressured or rushed. Trust your instincts.

Buying safely

Check the profile. In the conversation, click the three dots and then View user: since when have they been a member, is their email address confirmed, are they verified, how many listings do they have online?
Ask questions. A real enthusiast is happy to talk about the maintenance, defects and history of their moped or motorcycle. Vague answers are a warning sign.
Ask for extra photos, for example of the frame number, the odometer or a close-up of a part. Or ask for a photo with a note showing your name and the date.
Compare the price with other listings of the same make, model and year.
Go and have a look, and take someone with you who knows about mopeds or motorcycles.
Only pay on collection, once you have seen the vehicle and the papers and can take them with you.
Ask for a short sales agreement on paper: who, what, which registration and frame number, price, date and the agreed condition. Both sign, and both keep a copy.

Checking a vehicle

With a registered moped, scooter or motorcycle, checking is extra important. Use this list when you go to have a look.

Papers

Is there a registration certificate (registration card), and is it in the seller's name?
Does the registration number on the vehicle match the registration certificate?
Does the seller know the registration transfer code (tenaamstellingscode)? It is needed to transfer ownership.
Are there invoices or a service book?

Frame number

Find the frame number (VIN) on the frame and compare it with the papers.
Is it damaged, ground off, painted over or loosely attached? Then don't buy.
Won't the seller show it? That is a clear warning sign.

RDW registration check

Enter the registration number in the free registration check of the RDW, the Dutch vehicle authority.
Do the make, model, colour and year match what you see?
Check the vehicle's status, such as a WOK flag (awaiting inspection): then it may not be used on the road until it has been approved.

Condition and mechanics

Does it start from cold? Listen for unusual noises and look for smoke.
Do the brakes, lights, horn and indicators work?
Has it been tuned? That is not allowed on public roads and can result in a WOK status.
Is it leaking oil or petrol, and is there rust or are there cracks in the frame?

No papers? A vehicle without a registration certificate can be fine as a project or for parts, but you usually can't simply register it in your name and ride it on the road. Ask why the papers are missing and be extra careful.

Buying parts

Ask for the exact type, size and part number, and whether it is original or a replica.
Ask for photos from all sides, and of any damage or wear.
Agree on what happens if the part doesn't fit or doesn't work.
Preferably collect large or expensive parts (such as an engine) and inspect them first.
If it is shipped, have the shipping costs and method confirmed in advance.

Selling safely

Don't put personal details in your listing, such as your address, phone number or email address. Contact goes through messages on the site.
Take photos without your registration plate or address showing if you'd rather not share them, and without recognisable details of your house.
Only hand over the vehicle once the money has really arrived: counted in cash at the handover, or visibly credited in your own banking app.
Only give the registration transfer code once you have been paid. With that code someone can register the vehicle in their name.
Transfer the registration together and keep the indemnity certificate. See transferring the registration.
Beware of buyers who don't want to look and want to pay straight away via a link or send a courier.

Paying

On De Bromfietsbeurs you don't pay through the site; you arrange payment together. So choose a safe method.

Cash on collectionYes
Count the money together. With large amounts, watch out for counterfeit notes.
Bank transfer on collectionYes
Seller: only hand over once the money shows in your own banking app.
Payment request (e.g. Tikkie)With care
Only for small amounts, preferably on collection. Check the web address and never pay a 'verification amount'.
Paying in advance without viewingNo
The most common way scammers operate. Don't do it.
Money transfer services, gift cards, cryptoNo
Cannot be recovered. If someone asks for this, stop.

Method	Safe?	Watch out
Cash on collection	Yes	Count the money together. With large amounts, watch out for counterfeit notes.
Bank transfer on collection	Yes	Seller: only hand over once the money shows in your own banking app.
Payment request (e.g. Tikkie)	With care	Only for small amounts, preferably on collection. Check the web address and never pay a 'verification amount'.
Paying in advance without viewing	No	The most common way scammers operate. Don't do it.
Money transfer services, gift cards, crypto	No	Cannot be recovered. If someone asks for this, stop.

Meeting up and test rides

Meeting up

Meet in daylight and take someone with you.
Let someone at home know where you are and who you are with.
In doubt? Meet in a busy, public place.
Don't take more cash with you than necessary.

Test ride

Ask the buyer to show their driving licence (for a moped: an AM licence or higher).
Preferably ride along, or have them leave something of value as a deposit.
Check that the vehicle is insured for the test ride.
A tuned moped: don't take it on the road.

Shipping

Only ship once the money has arrived, and always ship with tracking.
For more expensive items, choose insured shipping.
Take photos of the part and of the packing, as proof of the condition in which you sent it.
Keep the proof of shipment until the buyer has confirmed that everything is in order.
Received a parcel in poor condition? Take photos straight away and contact the seller and the delivery service.

Transferring the registration

In the Netherlands, a moped, scooter or motorcycle with a registration number must be registered in the new owner's name. Do this together, at the moment of handover.

1Check the papers togetherThe seller's registration certificate (registration card) and registration transfer code, and a valid ID of the buyer.
2Pay firstThe seller only gives the registration transfer code once the money has arrived.
3Transfer the registrationAt a location offering RDW services (for example a post office or an approved business), or online via the RDW with DigiD if the vehicle has a registration card. See rdw.nl for the current options and costs.
4Keep the indemnity certificateThe seller receives an indemnity certificate (vrijwaringsbewijs): it shows that the vehicle is no longer in their name. Keep it safe.
5InsuranceThe buyer arranges insurance before riding it on the road. For a registered vehicle this is mandatory.

Protecting your account

Turn on two-step verification via My account → Login and security. Then nobody can get in with just your password.
Use a strong password that you don't use anywhere else. A password manager helps.
Only log in via debromfietsbeurs.nl. Check the address in the address bar before typing your password.
Never pass on a code from a text message or app, to anyone.
Notice something strange about your account? Change your password straight away and contact us.

De Bromfietsbeurs will never ask you for:

your password or a login code;
your bank details, PIN or a payment via a link;
a copy of your ID;
to continue the conversation on WhatsApp or another channel.

Email from us always comes from an address ending in @debromfietsbeurs.nl.

What we do

We review every listing before it goes online.
Your email address and phone number stay hidden; contact goes through messages on the site.
You can report a listing or user with one click. We look at every report.
When something is reported, we can take a listing offline or delete it, and view the conversation concerned to assess what happened.
You can block someone yourself: they can then no longer send you messages or bid on your listings.
We cooperate with the police when necessary.

Been scammed anyway?

It can happen to anyone. Don't be ashamed and act quickly: the sooner you act, the better the chance that something can still be saved.

1Call your bank immediatelyFor example if you have paid or entered your bank details. The bank can sometimes stop a payment or block your account.
2Change your passwordsDid you log in somewhere via a link? Change that password straight away, and the one for your email.
3Keep all the evidenceTake screenshots of the listing, the conversation, proof of payment and the other person's details.
4Report it to the policeIn the Netherlands online via politie.nl or at a police station; otherwise with the police in your own country. Include the listing and all the details you have.
5Report it to the FraudehelpdeskThe Dutch fraud helpdesk advises victims and collects reports, so that scammers are tracked down faster.
6Report it to usVia the button on the listing, the three dots in the conversation, or the contact page. Then we can deal with the user and warn others.

Useful links

Good to know

De Bromfietsbeurs brings buyers and sellers into contact with each other. We are not a party to the sale ourselves and give no guarantee as to the accuracy of listings, the condition of what is being sold, or the identity and reliability of users.
Even though we check listings and verify users, it remains your own responsibility to look carefully, ask questions and pay safely.
The tips on this page are general advice to help you trade safely. They are not legal advice and offer no guarantee that nothing will ever go wrong.
Rules, procedures and costs of organisations such as the RDW, the police and banks may change. Always check their own website for current information.
De Bromfietsbeurs is not liable for damage arising from agreements or transactions between users, unless the law provides otherwise. Please also read our terms and conditions and privacy statement.