"Do you want some free new equipment?" What is this scam??

beppington · Jan 31, 2011

Here at work last week, & then again Saturday, a guy in a minivan asked us "if we wanted some free new equipment" & that "his boss told him to just give it away".

What the heck? Anybody else heard of this?

Obviously it's baloney - Just wondered what the scam is?

My co-worker answered the door at work last week, & shoe'd him off, just saying, "No we don't need any".

Saturday I was actually on my tractor, & the guy stops me on the side of the road to make his pitch (I thought he was gonna ask for directions, is the only reason I stopped). He made his pitch, & I said, "No, I don't need any new equipment" & he didn't try to convince me or anything, just said OK & drove off.

It's about 15 miles between the two locations, so apparently they're scouring our area.

beenthere · Jan 31, 2011

If me, I'd take the license number if possible, but then call the local police. Just to let them in on it if they are not already. Might be a clue to something going on that fits their case info.

I'd guess the next step would be a need to either have you pay for shipping, or would need some earnest money paid down by you to hold the deal.

forgeblast · Jan 31, 2011

probably trying to get cash, and then come back and break in after they offer to put it in your barn for you so they can scope out your goodies...or they will call the cops on you and want a reward...either way does not sound good.

deere755 · Jan 31, 2011

Sounds like the old saying. If it sounds to good to be true it probably is.

CompactTractorFan · Jan 31, 2011

deere755 said:
Sounds like the old saying. If it sounds to good to be true it probably is.

Nothing is FREE...

vsumoski · Jan 31, 2011

CompactTractorFan said:
Nothing is FREE...

Agreed, so what's with the 'free' tax software and even more 'free' credit repot dot com bs always on tv? These commercials have to cost lots, no? What's the scam?

Vince

Sumpter · Jan 31, 2011

I would start asking a lot of questions. Where is it from, why is it free, how can you afford to give it away, etc. Then see how nervous the guy gets, then report it as suggested above. There is some sort of scam there, or as also suggested above, may be a way to case out your property.

stravis · Feb 1, 2011

I guarantee the equipment was yellow and was Titan brand. They come to our office all the time (construction company) with the same pitch. They had too much on the trailer and the boss told them to just get rid of it before they come back to the warehouse. "We'll take $500 for the whole trailer full".

jonyyuma · Feb 1, 2011

forgeblast said:
probably trying to get cash, and then come back and break in after they offer to put it in your barn for you so they can scope out your goodies...or they will call the cops on you and want a reward...either way does not sound good.

This one would be my choice.....Or Hot goods,,,Jy.

MMagis · Feb 1, 2011

vsumoski said:
Agreed, so what's with the 'free' tax software and even more 'free' credit repot dot com bs always on tv? These commercials have to cost lots, no? What's the scam?

Vince

The tax software is free to a point. They "encourage" you to use them for both State and Federal taxes. For the one I used, Federal is free, State is not.
"Free" credit reports are free if you enroll in some program, which you pay for.