How to avoid scams when buying farming equipment online
22nd November 2022
Time and time again we hear of farmers being caught out by scammers when trying to purchase farm machinery online. While most adverts on the internet will be genuine, there
Time and time again we hear of farmers being caught out by scammers when trying to purchase farm machinery online. While most adverts on the internet will be genuine, there are a number of precautions would-be buyers can take to avoid being robbed of their hard-earned cash.
Scams nowadays can be very elaborate and almost impossible to tell from the real deal. Website fraud is becoming increasingly common and entails criminals setting up fake websites and using business details and photos from real farms to keep themselves under the radar.
These websites will often advertise bargain equipment or farm machinery and demand a sizeable deposit before the item can be reserved.
While falling victim to fraud can be difficult to process, it’s important that farmers report such incidents to Action Fraud so a formal investigation can take place.
Other than keeping an eye on the news and scam warnings in your area, here are five important things to keep in mind when purchasing farming equipment online:
- If it seems too good to be true, it probably is
If you come across an item that’s listed for considerably less than its market value, chances are you’re dealing with a scam. While bargain prices can be genuine if the seller is looking for a quick sale, they are usually a rare find and sell within minutes.
Therefore, buyers should be familiar with how much the item they’re after should sell for. Realistic pricing is a sign of legitimacy, and if the seller is asking for less than expected, it’s worth investigating the reason behind the low price before moving forward.
Be particularly wary of cheap equipment or machinery that has been listed for a long time – there is almost always a reason why they’re still there.
- Basic checks can save you trouble down the line
Conducting a few simple checks can go a long way towards keeping your money from landing in the wrong hands.
Scammers will often source the photo and description of an advert from different sites without checking whether they match up or not. Therefore, it’s useful to check whether the photo of a listing corresponds to the details set out in the description.
Buyers can also copy and paste the photo into Google Images to see if it appears on websites not advertising machinery for sale.
There is also a higher chance that a listing could be a scam if it only has a single image accompanying the description. Genuine sellers will usually take the time to upload various images of the item from different angles and write a detailed description to help buyers choose the right equipment for their needs.
If all adds up but you’re still unsure about a listing, it’s recommended to conduct a background check on the person or company selling the item. Ensure the address and phone number displayed on the advert are valid and reach out to confirm the identity of the seller.
- Avoid buying machinery unseen
If possible, avoid buying machinery or equipment without making a physical inspection first. This will ensure the item being sold actually exists and provides an opportunity to carry out further checks on the machine’s condition and legitimacy.
Arriving at the seller’s premises, ask to see relevant documentation for the item and make sure details like the seller’s name and address and the machine’s specifications add up.
Moreover, check that identifiable features such as serial/chassis numbers haven’t been erased and the number plate is intact. It can also help to note down the details of other vehicles parked at the premises such as makes, models, and registration numbers should the police require such information for an investigation.
Lastly, take the time to carry out a thorough inspection of the machine to make sure it is mechanically sound and fits the description on the listing. When making a particularly large investment, it might be worth hiring an independent evaluator to provide that extra peace of mind.
- Be wary of poor communication
When enquiring about an item, take note of the time it takes for the seller to reply, how much detail they provide, and whether they are trying to elude any questions.
A real seller with good intentions will generally respond promptly and provide helpful information in order to build up a good rapport with the potential buyer.
What’s more, asking the seller specific questions over the phone is a great way to get a feel for their legitimacy and find out if they’re comfortable discussing the item. Make sure you’ve done your research and are knowledgeable about the machine so you can pick up on things that don’t make sense.
On FarmAds.co.uk, we currently do not allow email contact, as this is the easiest way for a scammer to hide. Most scam artists wouldn’t have the confidence to conduct a conversation over the phone, as would-be purchasers would pick up on their lack of knowledge. If buying equipment elsewhere, make sure you give the seller a call before committing any further.
- Don’t rush into the wrong decision
Always be suspicious of sellers trying to rush you into making a decision or putting a deposit down for an item that might not exist. If you are unsure about a listing for any reason, don’t hesitate to say no until you have carried out more research.
In addition, fraudsters will sometimes ask buyers to transfer the payment directly into another bank account, which should be considered as an instant red flag.
Keep in mind that scams can look almost indistinguishable from a genuine deal and always stop and think before parting with your money. Getting a second opinion from family or friends can be of great value in these situations.
