Don't mourn the closure of this phony bicycle store

Steve's Cycling Store is closed, wiped off the Internet like road kill scraped up with a shovel.

Don't expect the online serial scammer (“Watch Out for Phony Bicycle Scams,” Oct. 31) to stay closed for long, however. It will surely reappear under a new name offering unbelieveable deals on high-end bicycles.

When you buy bicycles or equipment online, here are some suggestions on how to avoid becoming a victim:

— Do not deal in cash. This scammer asked that Western Union money orders be sent to its address in Cheyenne.  Western Union warns that under its system, those funds can be picked up anywhere, not just the location where the funds are intended to be sent, reports the Wyoming Tribune. Do not use a money transfer service to send money to a stranger.

— Call around. Check a city directory to see if the shop exists. Call other shops in the area and ask if they've heard of the shop. A Cheyenne bicycle shop owner said he received about a hundred calls from people seeking information about the store.

— Check with bike makers. David Campbell of Cannondale suggests calling the bicycle manufacturer (most have toll free numbers) to ask about the dealer you're considering doing business with. The companies know who they supply bikes to. They also try to keep track of the scam artists.