Equipment Scams are on the Rise: How to Avoid Them

It’s no secret that the economy is a hot topic of conversation across all industries, but in agriculture, historic market lows and record-high input expenses have created the perfect storm for scams. Fraud listings and businesses have popped up on social media and online, and in an already stressed market, it’s important to watch for the signs of fraud. Castongia Tractor has been Helping You Grow since 1939, and our team is here to help your operation thrive and your lawn stand out. We don’t want anyone to fall victim to equipment fraud, so keep reading for tips on avoiding these scams.

1. Be Suspicious 

As equipment scams become more common, it’s important to be suspicious of listings. Many fraudulent sellers will steal dealer images to create false listings; some will even go as far as creating a false website that looks legitimate. Listing price will often be shockingly low to draw you in, and some listings may even be sponsored on social platforms like Facebook. You should be wary of third-party listings, especially if it's a company or name you don’t recognize. Plus, if the price is too good to be true, it probably is!

2. Verify the Seller

The easiest way to avoid an equipment scam is to verify the seller. Whether you’re browsing virtual auction houses, dealer inventory, Facebook Marketplace, or other catalogs, you’ll want to verify the seller if you’re interested in a unit. Look up the equipment serial number, do a reverse image search, and research the company or seller’s name. Sometimes, a phone call or email is not enough to verify that the seller has possession of the unit! Be diligent in your verification process to authenticate the listing before you make any decisions. Matching an equipment serial number could potentially save you thousands of dollars.

3. Don’t Wire Funds 

Along with being suspicious of online listings and taking careful time to verify the seller, never wire funds without solid proof of purchase! In some instances, a transfer of funds will be necessary, but there should be a lot of communication leading up to that transaction. It should be very clear, and in writing, the expectations of what will happen after the sale. When will you receive the equipment? Is it being delivered, or are you picking it up? What are the taxes and fees? You should know exactly what you’re paying for and how you’re getting your equipment before you even consider sending a payment. Don’t lose out on your hard-earned money! 

These three tips might seem simple, but they will go a long way in protecting your money. Castongia Tractor only works with a select few third-party sellers to list our products, so if you ever doubt a listing, the best thing you can do is call one of our five Northwest Indiana locations to confirm the equipment listing details and availability. 

Castongia Tractor is a full-service John Deere dealership located in Crown Point, DeMotte, Fowler, Rensselaer, and Valparaiso, IN.