How to Spot a Fake Profile on Pillion Link

By The Pillion Link Team 1 October 2026

Most riders you'll meet here are exactly who they say they are. Here's how to recognise the few who aren't, and what to do if something doesn't feel right. Whether you've joined to find riding mates, a pillion for weekend runs or someone special to share the road with, a few simple checks will keep you one step ahead of anyone who isn't genuine.

Look for the Blue Tick

Members who verify their identity with government ID get a blue tick on their profile, and others confirm who they are with a live video check with one of our moderators. Neither is compulsory, so plenty of genuine riders won't have one yet, but a verified profile is a strong sign you're talking to the person in the photos. Verifying your own profile is free, and it shows other members you're the real deal too.

Red Flags on a Profile

Photos that look too perfect. Studio shots, model-like poses or pictures that look like adverts are often lifted from elsewhere. A reverse image search will usually tell you if they appear online under another name.
No sign of an actual bike. Real riders and pillions tend to have photos of their bike, their kit, a run out with mates or a café stop. A "biker" with no bikes in sight is worth a second look.
Vague answers about riding. Someone who can't tell you what they ride, where they like to go or what got them into bikes may not be a rider at all.
A story that keeps them far away. Working on an oil rig, serving overseas or "touring Europe for a few months" is a ready-made reason never to meet.
A low member rating. Every member has a reputation score based on how they behave and how other members rate their interactions. It's a quick way to judge who's trustworthy before you engage.

Red Flags in Conversation

Strong feelings, very fast. Talk of love or a future together before you've even met for a coffee.
A push to move to WhatsApp or text straight away. Pillion Link will warn you when someone tries to take the conversation to an outside app, because it's one of the most common scam tactics.
Always an excuse not to meet or video call. A broken camera, a breakdown, a last-minute emergency, every single time.
Deals that seem too good to be true. A cheap bike, kit or parts, but only if you pay a deposit or send money before you've seen the item.
Any request for money. Fuel to get home, a repair bill, a stranded-abroad story, an "investment": however it's dressed up, the answer is always no.

Never Send Money

Never send money, gift cards or bank details to anyone you've met online, and never share passwords or let someone access your accounts. A genuine rider will never ask, however long you've been chatting.

Keep It on Pillion Link Until You're Sure

Your real name and email are never shown publicly, and your profile only shows your nearest town or city, never your exact location. Keeping early conversations on the site keeps that protection in place. When you're ready to meet, choose a public spot like a busy biker café, tell someone where you're going, and make your own way there. Our guide to riding with strangers safely covers the first ride itself.

What to Do If Something Doesn't Feel Right

Use the report tools to flag the profile or message, and block the member so they can no longer contact you or see your profile. Our moderators use AI and human review to spot suspicious activity, and every report helps. If you'd like to talk it through, our support team is there 24/7 by chat, phone or messaging.

If you think you've already sent money or shared financial details, contact your bank straight away and report it to Action Fraud, the UK's national reporting centre for fraud. It's never your fault, and the sooner you act, the more can be done.

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