Post by TonyV on Nov 1, 2017 16:19:15 GMT -5
There is a new post published on the UAWLAP.org Site.
Details of the post follow.
Buyer Beware: Tractor, Truck Sale Ads Ripe with Con Artists
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
Buyer Beware: Tractor, Truck Sale Ads Ripe with Con Artists
Scammers targeting victims through classified ads in local newspapers, online
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 1, 2017) – Today, a scam alert was issued by Attorney
General Andy Beshear to warn Kentuckians about fraudulent advertisements placed
in the classified section of local Kentucky newspapers and online.
Beshear said Kentuckains in several counties including Bath, Barren, Franklin
and Jefferson have reported replying to classified ads for a deeply discounted
John Deere tractor, Toyota or Chevrolet pickup truck that turned out to be a
scam.
The complainants state that the classified ad appears normal at first and
includes a price for the item and a contact phone number. Once an interested
buyer places a call, however, they do not speak with anyone, but rather start
receiving text messages or emails from a so-called Air Force Sergeant “Molly
Carter” stationed at Cavalier AFB in North Dakota.
“Carter” claims she is selling the item at a deep discount because it
belonged to her late husband, and she is leaving soon for an overseas deployment
and cannot afford to keep it. “Carter” even offers to send detailed photos
of the items and guarantees delivery once she receives payment.
“This scammer tells one of the cruelest stories we have heard,” Beshear
said. “They lie about the death of a spouse and service to our county in order
to profit off hardworking Kentucky families. While my office is working to track
down this con artist, I want Kentuckians to be aware and avoid falling victim to
this woeful scheme.”
Beshear’s office and the Kentucky Press Association (KPA) are working together
to ensure all Kentucky newspapers are constantly on the alert for any kind of
advertising that could be fraudulent and detrimental to their readers.
“We appreciate the Attorney General’s Office for being responsive to our
inquiries about questionable ads,” said David T. Thompson, executive director
of the Kentucky Press Association. “This is a constant concern of Kentucky
newspapers and we will continue doing all that we can to protect Kentucky
consumers. KPA notifies all newspapers when it is alerted to a scam ad being
circulated widely, even in other states, and our Kentucky newspapers notify us
when they receive a fraudulent ad. Not every single ad can be stopped, but for
the ones that do end up being published there are perhaps a hundred that were
caught before publication and thrown away.”
Beshear said his office has also verified with the Cavalier Air Force Base that
a “Sergeant Molly Carter” is not a member of its installation. The military
base also confirmed that it has received multiple complaints from across the
country reporting the same scheme.
Beshear said while the current scam reports identify the name “Sergeant Molly
Carter,” scammers constantly take on new identities and develop new plots,
which is why verifying online private sellers is always tricky.
To help Kentuckians avoid falling victim to this type of scam, the Office of the
Attorney General offers these initial tips:
Be wary of too-good-to-be-true prices
If a price of a product seems too good to be true, it probably is. Compare
prices of identical goods online in order to see if you are getting a good deal
verses being duped. For vehicle sales, request copies of titles and local tax
receipts to help confirm the seller and vehicle’s legitimacy, and obtain the
VIN number and run a vehicle history report.
Research the seller and attempt to view the product in person
Research the seller online and reject high-pressure sales tactics. Ask the
seller if they are willing to meet you in a safe location to view the product in
person – if they are unwilling, this is a warning sign that it could be a
scam.
Only use verified methods of payment
Never wire money, use gift cards or reloadable cards, reputable sellers and
companies do not use these methods of payment. You may also verify with the
sales website if you are unsure of whether to proceed with the transaction.
Kentuckians who want assistance verifying a scam or reporting a scam can contact
the Office of the Attorney General at 888-432-9257 or file a consumer complaint
online.
To stay up to date on new and trending scams Kentuckians should sign up to
receive Scam Alerts from the Office of the Attorney General. To enroll, text the
words KYOAG Scam to GOV311 (468311), or enroll online at ag.ky.gov/scams and
select text message or email alert.
Link to the post:
uawlap.org/uaw/local-862/retiree-news/buyer-beware-tractor-truck-sale-ads-ripe-with-con-artists.php
Link to UAWLAP.org: uawlap.org
Details of the post follow.
Buyer Beware: Tractor, Truck Sale Ads Ripe with Con Artists
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
Buyer Beware: Tractor, Truck Sale Ads Ripe with Con Artists
Scammers targeting victims through classified ads in local newspapers, online
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 1, 2017) – Today, a scam alert was issued by Attorney
General Andy Beshear to warn Kentuckians about fraudulent advertisements placed
in the classified section of local Kentucky newspapers and online.
Beshear said Kentuckains in several counties including Bath, Barren, Franklin
and Jefferson have reported replying to classified ads for a deeply discounted
John Deere tractor, Toyota or Chevrolet pickup truck that turned out to be a
scam.
The complainants state that the classified ad appears normal at first and
includes a price for the item and a contact phone number. Once an interested
buyer places a call, however, they do not speak with anyone, but rather start
receiving text messages or emails from a so-called Air Force Sergeant “Molly
Carter” stationed at Cavalier AFB in North Dakota.
“Carter” claims she is selling the item at a deep discount because it
belonged to her late husband, and she is leaving soon for an overseas deployment
and cannot afford to keep it. “Carter” even offers to send detailed photos
of the items and guarantees delivery once she receives payment.
“This scammer tells one of the cruelest stories we have heard,” Beshear
said. “They lie about the death of a spouse and service to our county in order
to profit off hardworking Kentucky families. While my office is working to track
down this con artist, I want Kentuckians to be aware and avoid falling victim to
this woeful scheme.”
Beshear’s office and the Kentucky Press Association (KPA) are working together
to ensure all Kentucky newspapers are constantly on the alert for any kind of
advertising that could be fraudulent and detrimental to their readers.
“We appreciate the Attorney General’s Office for being responsive to our
inquiries about questionable ads,” said David T. Thompson, executive director
of the Kentucky Press Association. “This is a constant concern of Kentucky
newspapers and we will continue doing all that we can to protect Kentucky
consumers. KPA notifies all newspapers when it is alerted to a scam ad being
circulated widely, even in other states, and our Kentucky newspapers notify us
when they receive a fraudulent ad. Not every single ad can be stopped, but for
the ones that do end up being published there are perhaps a hundred that were
caught before publication and thrown away.”
Beshear said his office has also verified with the Cavalier Air Force Base that
a “Sergeant Molly Carter” is not a member of its installation. The military
base also confirmed that it has received multiple complaints from across the
country reporting the same scheme.
Beshear said while the current scam reports identify the name “Sergeant Molly
Carter,” scammers constantly take on new identities and develop new plots,
which is why verifying online private sellers is always tricky.
To help Kentuckians avoid falling victim to this type of scam, the Office of the
Attorney General offers these initial tips:
Be wary of too-good-to-be-true prices
If a price of a product seems too good to be true, it probably is. Compare
prices of identical goods online in order to see if you are getting a good deal
verses being duped. For vehicle sales, request copies of titles and local tax
receipts to help confirm the seller and vehicle’s legitimacy, and obtain the
VIN number and run a vehicle history report.
Research the seller and attempt to view the product in person
Research the seller online and reject high-pressure sales tactics. Ask the
seller if they are willing to meet you in a safe location to view the product in
person – if they are unwilling, this is a warning sign that it could be a
scam.
Only use verified methods of payment
Never wire money, use gift cards or reloadable cards, reputable sellers and
companies do not use these methods of payment. You may also verify with the
sales website if you are unsure of whether to proceed with the transaction.
Kentuckians who want assistance verifying a scam or reporting a scam can contact
the Office of the Attorney General at 888-432-9257 or file a consumer complaint
online.
To stay up to date on new and trending scams Kentuckians should sign up to
receive Scam Alerts from the Office of the Attorney General. To enroll, text the
words KYOAG Scam to GOV311 (468311), or enroll online at ag.ky.gov/scams and
select text message or email alert.
Link to the post:
uawlap.org/uaw/local-862/retiree-news/buyer-beware-tractor-truck-sale-ads-ripe-with-con-artists.php
Link to UAWLAP.org: uawlap.org