Buying used gear without getting scammed
Updated 24.10.2026
Most sales between riders go perfectly well. But classifieds also attract scammers, and their tricks repeat themselves. Knowing them is enough to avoid them.
As a buyer: the classic traps
The deposit to “reserve” or ship
The seller asks for a bank transfer or Tikkie before shipping, often with a good reason: they live far away, are about to travel, another buyer is waiting. Once the money is gone, it does not come back. Never pay a stranger before you have the gear in hand or a protection that holds the money.
The price that is too good
This year’s wing at half price, catalogue photos, a seller in a hurry: the most common sign of a fake listing. Ask for a photo of the gear with a note showing your first name and the date.
Stolen gear
Kite and wing gear does get stolen, mostly from cars and club stores. Ask for the serial number and, if possible, the receipt.
As a seller: fake buyers
The link “to receive the money”
The buyer agrees to everything without asking about the gear, then sends a link to a so-called payment or delivery service. The page imitates a bank or a carrier and asks for your bank details or a small “verification payment”. To receive money, you never log in to your bank through a link or pay anything.
The payment request instead of a payment
A scammer can send you a payment request and present it as a transfer. Always read the screen: if you are asked to confirm an amount you would pay, decline.
The fake receipt
A screenshot of a transfer proves nothing. Wait until the money is really in your account, or use a platform that confirms the payment.
Habits that protect you
- Stay in the platform’s messages: everything is kept there.
- Be wary of urgency and complicated stories.
- In person: a public place, in daylight, and take your time to check the gear.
- Do not click links sent by strangers by text, WhatsApp or e-mail.
How Windruil protects you
Every member verifies their identity before buying or selling, and only one account per person is allowed. The buyer pays with iDEAL, Bancontact or card on the platform, and the money stays on hold until hand-over: in person, the buyer gives their code only after checking the gear; by parcel, they have 48 hours after delivery to report a problem. All the details are on the buyer protection page and in buying and selling safely.
The golden rule: never pay outside the platform, even if you are offered a discount to do so.