Keenesburg Police Department: Scam Alert - Beware of Online Tractor Sales

The Keenesburg Police Department has received multiple reports about an online scam involving fake tractor and farm equipment sales. Scammers are advertising used tractors and construction equipment on websites claiming to be based in Keenesburg, using addresses in both the Town of Keenesburg and unincorporated Weld County. These addresses are not linked to legitimate tractor or equipment resellers, and there is no known tractor reseller operating in Keenesburg.

How the Scam Works

Victims find these fake listings online and contact the supposed sellers to purchase tractors or equipment. However, the websites show red flags that indicate they are not legitimate:

• Unusual grammar and phrasing, such as "All Right Reserved" or "Opening Hours" in the website footer.
• Suspicious testimonials, often including photos of "satisfied customers" that are uncommon for legitimate businesses. A Google Image search of these photos revealed they were taken from unrelated sources.
• Inconsistent inventory photos, showing tractors with varying backgrounds and terrains, suggesting the images are compiled from different locations.

These tactics are designed to trick buyers into sending money for equipment that does not exist.

Tips to Avoid Internet Scams

To protect yourself from falling victim to this or similar scams, the Keenesburg Police Department recommends the following:

• Never send money to unverified sources. Avoid wiring money, using payment apps, or sending cryptocurrency to sellers you haven’t verified. Legitimate sellers will allow you to inspect equipment in person before payment.
• Scrutinize the website. Look for poor grammar, spelling errors, or unusual phrases. Check the website’s contact information and verify the business address using tools like Google Maps.
• Practice healthy skepticism. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of sellers pressuring you to act quickly or pay upfront without proof of the item’s existence.
• Verify images. Use Google Image Search to check if photos on the website appear elsewhere online, which may indicate stolen or reused images.
• Research the seller. Confirm the business is legitimate by checking reviews on trusted platforms, contacting the seller directly, or visiting the listed address if possible.
• Buy locally when possible. For large purchases like tractors, inspect the equipment in person and deal with established, reputable businesses.
• Report suspicious activity. The Keenesburg Police Department serves people living and doing business inside Town limits. If you encounter a potential scam, contact the law enforcement agency holding jurisdiction the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov. 

Stay Safe and Spread the Word

We urge the community to stay vigilant and share this information with friends and family, especially those who may be looking to purchase farm or construction equipment online. By staying informed and cautious, we can protect our community from these deceptive schemes. Let’s work together to keep Keenesburg and our cyber-neighbors safe!

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