Police Issue National Warning as Motorcycle Theft Gangs Use Fake Banking Apps to Target Sellers
Date: 11 November 2025 | By: Fidelis News Staff
LEEDS — Police have issued a nationwide alert after organised motorcycle theft gangs were found using sophisticated fake banking apps to trick private sellers into handing over their bikes during fraudulent sales. The warning, first issued by West Yorkshire Police, comes amid a sharp rise in high-value motorcycle thefts across northern England and the Midlands.
How the scam works
Detectives say the suspects pose as genuine buyers responding to online adverts. After arranging a viewing, they use a convincing fake banking app to show proof of payment on the seller’s doorstep before making off with the motorcycle under the guise of a successful transfer.
By the time the seller realises no funds have arrived, the vehicle has usually been loaded onto a van and moved out of the area within hours. West Yorkshire Police confirmed that several thefts of this type have already occurred in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield, with similar cases reported by forces in Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Northumbria.
‘Deceptive and fast-moving’
Detective Inspector Mark Latham from West Yorkshire Police described the scheme as “highly deceptive and fast-moving,” urging sellers to avoid releasing vehicles until cleared funds are visible in their account. “Criminals are becoming increasingly tech-savvy; they exploit trust, speed and the realism of digital banking apps to steal within minutes,” he said.
Officers believe the same criminal network may be responsible for multiple incidents across the country, often targeting sports and adventure motorcycles valued between £5,000 and £15,000. Many of the stolen vehicles are believed to be broken down for parts or shipped overseas within days.
Rising trend in vehicle thefts
According to Home Office data, vehicle thefts in England and Wales rose by nearly 20% last year, with motorcycles among the fastest-growing targets. Police say social media marketplaces and private classifieds are increasingly exploited by organised crime groups due to the ease of contact and lack of in-person verification.
Motorcycle insurers have echoed the warning, saying scams involving instant payment “proofs” are becoming more common as criminals adapt to tighter banking fraud controls. Victims typically lose not just the bike but also their insurance cover, as the handover was voluntary under false pretenses.
Police advice to sellers
- Never release a vehicle until you can see cleared funds in your own account screenshots or app displays are not proof of payment.
- Use secure payment platforms where possible, and complete transactions in well-lit public places with CCTV.
- Take photos of ID and the buyer’s vehicle registration before any test ride.
- Be cautious of buyers who rush the process or insist on “instant” payments.
- Report any suspicious contact immediately to Action Fraud.
National implications
Police forces across the UK have been notified of the scam pattern through the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS). Officers are working with online marketplaces to identify suspicious buyer accounts and IP addresses linked to known offenders.
West Yorkshire Police say investigations are ongoing and have appealed for victims nationwide to come forward. “We want to stop these criminals before they cause more misery,” DI Latham said.
With vehicle crime surging and scams growing more sophisticated, investigators warn that vigilance is now essential not just for buyers, but for anyone selling privately online.
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Sources: West Yorkshire Police, Home Office Crime Data.
