OPP – Fraud Involving Purchases of Heavy Machinery or Farm Equipment

In Crime

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and our policing partners regularly receive reports of frauds pertaining to the buying and selling of goods online. The OPP has recently received reports of victims purchasing heavy machinery or farm equipment from sellers believed to be in the United States, losing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In 2022, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), received fraud reports totalling $8.9 million in victim losses related to merchandise frauds. It is estimated that only 5-10% of victims report scams and frauds to the CAFC or law enforcement.

How does the scam work:

Victims conducting online searches for heavy machinery or farm equipment often locate items that are below market value or a “good deal”. The victim begins communication directly with the fraudster(s), who have stolen images and information about the equipment from other websites or platforms. Once a price is agreed upon and logistics for shipping are discussed, the fraudster requests payment in the form of a wire transfer to a financial institution located in the U.S. After receiving payment, the fraudsters cease communication with the victim, who never receives the equipment.

Prevention tips:

Be your own detective…take your time and research your purchase as it could save you time, money, and stress!

  • If a deal seems to be too good to be true, it is. Fraudsters use reputable websites to post stolen images and equipment information
  • If you don’t know the buyer/seller, investigate them thoroughly (i.e. internet map searches for the address, reverse image searches of the equipment, and consider contacting local heavy equipment repair companies)
  • If possible, physically inspect the equipment or consider having a professional conduct the inspection
  • Don’t be influenced by an extreme sense of urgency by the other party

To learn more about the Merchandise scams and other frauds visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

If you fall victim to a fraud or know someone who has, contact your local police service to report the crime and report it to the CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 or online on the Fraud Reporting System (FRS), even if a financial loss did not occur

Pete Fisher
Author: Pete Fisher

Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love

Join Our Newsletter!

Want to keep up to date on news and events in Northumberland? Subscribe to newsletter!

You may also read!

Last Day for Salmon Fishing Along the Ganaraska River in Port Hope

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4tbiiPVsSk It was the last day for salmon fishing on Saturday, September 30, 2023 in area waterways including the Ganaraska

Read More...

Cobourg Chief of Police and Local Politicians Have Condemnation for the Justice System

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSyj0t5uu0c The Chief of Cobourg Police has come out and condemned the local courts after a person was charged with

Read More...

Cobourg Fire Services Respond to Encampment Fire (Again)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSYl4b3h2Rw Cobourg Police and Fire Department responded to a fire at a former encampment on Thursday, September 28, 2023. At approximately

Read More...

Mobile Sliding Menu

Terms | Privacy |