Buyer beware: Con artists targeting tractor, truck ads

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Fraudulent advertisements are being placed in the classified section of local Kentucky newspapers and online, according to Attorney General Andy Beshear.

Beshear says the ads for low priced Toyota or Chevrolet pickup trucks and John Deere tractors have been reported in several counties including Bath, Barren, Franklin and Jefferson.

According to the attorney general, Kentuckians from those counties have reported replying to the ads, saying they turned out to be a scam.

Beshear explains the complaints filed say the ads appear normal at first, even including a price for the item and a contact phone number.

However, once an interested buyer places a call, Beshear says, they do not speak with anyone, but rather start receiving text messages or emails from someone claiming to be “Molly Carter,” an Air Force Sergeant stationed at Cavalier AFB in North Dakota.

“Carter” claims she is selling the item at a discount because it belonged to her late husband, and she is leaving for an overseas deployment and cannot afford to keep it, according to Beshear.

Beshear explains the woman even offers to send detailed photos of the item, and guarantees delivery once she gets the payment.

Beshear says his office, along with the Kentucky Press Association (KPA), is working to make sure all Kentucky newspapers are constantly on the alert for any kind of fraudulent advertisement.

Beshear also says his office has verified with Cavalier Air Force Base that “Sergeant Molly Carter” is not a member of the installation.

The base also says it has gotten several complaints from across the country about the same scheme, according to the attorney general.

Beshear reminds Kentuckians scammers constantly take on new identities and develop new plots, making it hard to verify online private sellers.

Kentuckians wanting assistance verifying a scam or reporting a scam can contact the Office of the Attorney General at 888-432-9257.