A nationwide fraud scheme targeting farmers has prompted the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to issue a warning about online scams involving used farm equipment. The scheme resulted in $223,000 in confirmed losses, with victims from California to North Carolina falling prey to fake machinery listings on websites and social media.

The scammers impersonated Cook Equipment & Trucking, a small, legitimate dealership based in Marble Hill, Missouri. The real business, in operation since 2010, has no official website and does not conduct online sales. Fraudsters created three fake websites and used Facebook Marketplace ads to attract buyers.

Once payments were wired-often tens of thousands of dollars-victims were "ghosted," receiving no equipment or follow-up communication.

Reported fraudulent transactions include:

$45,000 for a skid steer loader (Oak Hills, CA)

$32,000 for an excavator (Hancock, MI)

$29,500 for a trailer (Amanda, OH)

$29,000 for a trailer (Greenville, NC)

$28,000 for a skid steer loader (Eastman, WI)

$31,000 for an excavator (Des Moines, IA)

$29,000 for a skid steer loader (Blue, AZ)

BBB CEO Michelle L. Corey emphasized that any farm equipment deal "priced well below market value is a red flag."

How Farmers Can Stay Safe

As used equipment demand continues amid high input costs and supply chain challenges, BBB urges farmers and ag businesses to follow these fraud prevention tips:

Research the seller via BBB.org or call 888-996-3887

Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true

Verify business legitimacy and speak directly with dealers

Read refund policies and payment terms carefully

Use credit cards for payment when possible (added dispute protection)

Report scams to the BBB Scam Tracker, your state attorney general, FTC, FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, and the social media platform used

The BBB also recommends reviewing its 2024 study on virtual vehicle vendor scams, especially for those purchasing through online auctions or digital marketplaces.

As more farm operators embrace digital channels for equipment sourcing, scammers are exploiting gaps in trust and verification. With losses now topping six figures, vigilance is critical for protecting your operation.