Victims are reporting incidents on the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker
More fake businesses promoting themselves as a farm, heavy equipment, or vehicle dealer are emerging and claiming victims and their money.
A search for “farm equipment” on the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker shows multiple reports of people contacting and/or sending money to a business on the promise to receive a piece of equipment.
On July 14, for example, someone from Hollywood, Ala., indicated they were to “purchase farm equipment via wire transfer” from Agee Equipment Sales until their bank flagged the payment.
People in other states made similar reports on July 7.
In Dugger, Ind., someone purchased a camper for $10,000 from Royal Farming Depot.
“We purchased a RV by a bank wire to another bank. Then they blocked our phone numbers,” the report says.
That same day, scammers claimed another victim in Round Rock, Texas.
This person filled out inquiry forms, spoke to someone on the phone allegedly from DFF Equipment, and wired $24,000 to a bank.
“Then they sent a fake FTL or LTL load with pallet and weight numbers,” the report says. “When delivery day came no pieces of equipment were dropped off and (the) phone was disconnected.”
And on July 4, a person from Peyton, Colo., reported losing thousands of dollars in a similar scheme from Roy Fritts Farm Equipment.
“I believed I was purchasing a 2008 JLG G9-43A telehandler,” the report says. “I paid $10,000 in wire transfer. The remainder was to be financed at 3%. I communicated through phone conversations, email and texts.”
These incidents also follow a similar pattern the Better Business Bureau alerted customers of in late May as people sent money to Bass Farm Equipment, another fraudulent equipment dealer.
At first glance, these websites appear legitimate.
They have listings complete with specs, sales department contact information, and testimonials from other “customers.”
It’s possible scammers are using AI to create these websites.
Farms.com asked ChatGPT to create a website with equipment listings and other features.
Within seconds, the tool created a draft website for a fake business called Green Valley Equipment.
These sophisticated scams are getting the attention of lawmakers.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture warned farmers about these fake businesses earlier in the month, and provided tips on how to remain safe when shopping online.
Farmers looking to purchase equipment safely and from verified dealers can always browse Farms.com’s Used Farm Equipment listings.