‘Classified Ad’ Scam Reported

A spokesman for the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Department is warning people about scams using classified advertisements.

Dick Blust says the scams can involve online advertisements on websites such as Craigslist and eBay as well as more traditional print advertising. He says one of the most common such cons is known as the ''Kubota Tractor Scam''.

A recent example of this scam offered a 2006 Kubota tractor for $2500, including delivery. Blust says a red flag for potential buyers in this case should have been the price, since the tractor-backhoe- loader described in the ad would normally cost at least $10,000.

He says there are a number of twists on the classified ad scam, but they generally offer unrealistically good deals and ask for money upfront for alleged fees, taxes or partial payments.

Blust says quite often the con artists are overseas, which makes getting your money back all but impossible. He says you should always be very careful when dealing with people you don't know over the internet or far away away, especially when they demand up front payment for unbelievably good deals.

Blust says a basic rule to remember is that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.