Buying Advice TRACTOR SCAM??

Joe H · May 4, 2011

JD 4310 $4800 - Google Search

JD 4310 for $4800 - Google Search

Same ad is all over the country, think it might be a scam?

Joe H

PossumHound · May 4, 2011

I asked and got some answers that advanced my thoughts on this subject. I was pretty sure it was a scam, but I so enjoy the discussions here on TBN that I thought another thread on the subject would do no harm. Sorry if I have violated forum convention.

PH

sseelhoff · May 4, 2011

Joe H said:
JD 4310 $4800 - Google Search

JD 4310 for $4800 - Google Search

Same ad is all over the country, think it might be a scam?

Joe H

There was one in Dallas and another in Fort Worth. I just sent them a check for $9,600 for the both of them. :thumbsup:

RoMad · May 4, 2011

I don't think you violated anything by asking questions about something you weren't sure about.
When I see threads about things that I have read enough about I just don't read them.

MtHam · May 4, 2011

Ads like this have been appearing all over on Craigslist. If you want to waste your time and risk exposing yourself, ask where and when you can come see it. They won't give you a direct answer. Usually "includes shipping" and some kind of "Guaranteed Buyers Protection." RUN!

PossumHound · May 4, 2011

I didn't see the ad on the internet. It was in our local newspaper (circulation 10,000). If I had seen it first on the net I'd have automatically assumed it was a scam and you guys would not have heard a peep about it. But I naturally assumed it was a local seller, like the next ad in the column for baby goats from a neighbor I do know right down the road.

Now that ad cost maybe $15 bucks to place for a week. How many dweebs are there out there that are stupid enough to fall for the scheme that it's profitable to the con artists to place physical ads in a newspaper (with an actual cost) 1000 miles from the purported seller location? I'll never understand why someone would put so much effort into cheating people when they could earn a better living just putting the same effort into a legal occupation.

PH

TruckFixer · May 4, 2011

Maybe the thing is stolen, and the person wants to unload it fast, out of the area?

Dr_Zinj · May 5, 2011

Because it's a newspaper ad, and not a Craig's-listing or other internet site, there's a possibility that this is a legit offering. You might be surprised at how many estate sales dump a perfectly good piece of equipment for pennies on the dollar only because they don't know the value of the item.

If you're really interested, ask more about it. If it still seems legit, offer to come pick it up, with payment at the time of pickup. If they don't agree, then dollars to doughnuts it's a scam. Report it to your newspaper who ran the ad. I think they'll pursue the fraud case just to protect themselves.

PossumHound · May 5, 2011

I was surprised, after I told her my brother would come to inspect it, that she replied at all, but she did. Here's what she said:

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I listed the tractor using a national website, I think they are somehow conected to the newspaper in your area.

I uploaded the pictures here:https://picasaweb.google.com/107593094028107166517/2005JohnDeere4310# the pics were made 5 days ago and that's the tractor's condition right now. It was garage kept, has no mechanical problems and it is in perfect condition.I bought the tractor from a friend, Ken Griffin, one year ago. Make:John Deere, Model:4310, Model Year:2005, Engine HP:32, Hours:281, Drive:4WD, Serial Number:LV4310H234153, Fuel

iesel, Heavy Duty 430 Loader. The loader has a 2 pin quick connect system with arms that drop down allowing you to just pull away from it. GM1060R 60" Finish Mower. The mower is a great finishing, golf course quality mower. Options: Cruise control, power steering, power brakes, 3 point hitch, PTO, 3 cylinder diesel engine, 4WD, and turf tires. All equipment is in excellent condition. All functions perform perfectly, nothing wrong with this tractor. It is ready to go to work for you. I don't have other attachments or a trailer. We had to sell the farm after my husband fell off a horse and got paralyzed. I'm spending most of my time in the hospital with him and that's why I want to use an escrow company for completing the sale. You will inspect the tractor at your shipping address but I'll get paid only if you will decide to buy it after you will inspect it. If you're interested I'll give you all the details.
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The pics at Picasa show a really nice looking tractor, but the sad tale about her husband falling just makes it sound more like a scam.

I've already contacted the newspaper and told them of my (our) suspicions about this ad. They didn't say if they'd pursue it or not. I'm going to reply to her email with your suggestion, i.e. ask to drive up and pick it up and pay then. More to the story....

PH