2003 Trek

Hi guys
I'm looking semi seriously at a second-hand Trek USPS bike at an OK price. I'm told it's a late 2003 model and the last of the 5200-5500 carbon frames to come out of the US before the Madone. My issue is that all the Trek decals and the USPS decal as well as the OLCV decals etc. on the frame and forks, are applied AFTER the finish (ie, you could peel them all off and have a plain blue frame.)

I'm suspecting it's a scam. Are there any other identifying features I could look for (like the old imprint on Colnagos)? Or could anyone confirm that Trek actually presented their bikes this way?

Thanks

Paconi

Should be a serial number near the BB shell.

Thanks for that. Will see how I go.