Scam messages we stopped this week, and how to spot them

Two scam campaigns hit Cyclesite messaging in the last week. Both are dealt with. Here is what they looked like, so you can spot the pattern here or anywhere else you sell.

1. The courier scam (a fake buyer)

They agree your asking price without seeing the bike, then say a courier will collect once payment is made. The payment never arrives, or it is reversed after the bike is gone.

2. The fake "account review" message (a phishing link)

A new account messages you something like:

"Your account access is currently limited while we complete a routine verification of your identity information. Please confirm your information using the secure link below. Copy and paste the link into your browser."

The link opens a fake page dressed up as Cyclesite and asks for your details. It is not us.

Cyclesite will never ask you to verify your account, your identity or your payment details through a link in a chat message.

What we did

• Both accounts were suspended and their messages removed the same day.
• Everyone they contacted was emailed a warning.
• We are tightening our message filters so this wording is caught before it reaches you, and we keep updating them as scammers change their script.

How to protect yourself

• Never copy and paste a link from a chat message into your browser.
• Never share bank or card details in messages, and never pay a "verification" or "courier" fee.
• Real account notices from Cyclesite appear on the site itself, not only in a chat message.
• If a message feels off, report it. We read every report.

If you have replied to a message like this, or entered any details on a page it linked to, contact your bank straight away and then email support@cyclesite.co.uk. We will help.

Thank you to the members who flagged these quickly. Stay vigilant.