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RAI Association sounds the alarm: BPM fraud is also a growing problem in the motorcycle industry

motorcycles RAI motorcycles Section warns that BPM fraud is not limited to the automotive industry but is also becoming an increasingly serious problem in the motorcycle sector. Particularly in the case of motorcycles imported from abroad, valuations and damage reports are frequently manipulated in order to pay less tax.

What exactly is BPM fraud?

BPM (Tax on Passenger Cars and Motorcycles) is a tax that must be paid when registering a vehicle in the Netherlands. When importing used motorcycles , the amount of BPM motorcycles determined based on factors such as the vehicle’s value and any damage. If this information is intentionally misrepresented, it may constitute fraud.  

According to the RAI Association, this is achieved, for example, by:

• to make the damage appear greater on paper than it actually is,
• to manipulate appraisal reports,
• or to artificially undervalue vehicles upon import.

This makes a motorcycle seem attractively priced, but it can cause problems later on when trading it in, selling it, or insuring it.

Risks for motorcyclists

For consumers, BPM fraud can have serious consequences. For example:

• uncertainty about the actual value of the engine,
• problems with future sales or trade-ins,
• and potential legal complications if fraud is detected. 

The RAI Association therefore recommends that, when purchasing imported motorcycles, you always carefully review appraisal reports and compare prices with those of similar models.

Shop smart and shop with confidence

Transparency is key when buying a motorcycle. By choosing a reliable dealer, you minimize the risk of unexpected surprises later on and can be sure that all registration and BPM matters have been handled correctly.

Would you like to read more about the RAI Association’s study and warning? Then read the full article on Motor.nl