Safety & Security

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO BUYERS

We are currently aware of a number of fraudulent advertisers operating in the Used Machinery marketplace. Please be aware that due to the nature of the products advertised in Farmers Weekly and on Fwi.co.uk it’s important that you exercise caution before entering into any deal with a Seller. Farmers Weekly and FWi.co.uk are not responsible for any part of any transaction that takes place between a buyer and a seller. In addition we do not offer any insurance or security against fraudulent sellers.

OUR SAFETY & SECURITY TIPS

Using the classified ad pages in magazines or on websites is an overwhelmingly safe way of buying or selling farm machinery. But you need to exercise a little caution, explains David Cousins

One of the many great things about the farming industry is that transactions have traditionally been carried out on the basis of mutual trust rather than lots of contracts and paperwork. A man’s word was his bond and (with very, very few exceptions) you could bank on it.

That much hasn’t changed, however even farming can’t completely escape the scams, con-tricks and dodges that imaginative crooks now come up with. And that extends to a rise in dodgy machinery-for-sale ads in magazines and on websites. Let’s get this in perspective, though. The huge bulk of ads remain as honest and upfront as they have been in the past - it’s just that you need to be able to spot the odd rogue item.

* Top tips on how to spot a potentially dodgy deal.

1. It’s an old cliché, but if a deal looks too good to be true it probably is. Check other ads to see what a machine of that type and age is fetching elsewhere.
2. Has the ad got a landline number? The absence of one doesn’t mean there’s a potential problem, but a landline at least tells you where in the seller is based. Make sure they’re happy to receive calls at any time too so you know they’re not using a public telephone
3. If there’s a landline number, tap it into Google. This will often (though not always) yield some initial information.
4. Also when you do speak to the seller, ask some technical questions about the intended purchase – if they can’t answer them, smell a rat.
5. Go and see the machine or at least ask if this is a possibility. Difficult if you’re in Dorset and that attractively-priced tractor is in Dumfries, but you’re trusting in fate if you don’t. Also, if the seller doesn’t seem keen this should ring alarm bells.
6. Most multi-machine ads will show that they are all photographed in the same place (ie at the dealer’s yard). If they all show different backgrounds (or look like they were taken at different seasons of the year) be extra cautious. It’s probably fine, but just as well to check.
7. Be extra careful, too, if buying from a seller’s website, as this is where many scams take place. You need to make sure you have a telephone conversation with the seller and don’t just rely on email.
8. Look for an address and postcode. Tap the postcode into Google Maps or Bing. If it shows somewhere in the middle of a city, be a bit wary.
9. Above all, don’t send any money until you have seen it and tried it. This may not always possible, so at least be 100% sure that you’re happy to make the transaction.
10. Beware of intermediaries, too. The transaction should be between you and the seller. Neither Farmers Weekly nor FWi offers any security or insurance for buyers or sellers.
11. Beware fake security claims. Online ads will sometimes say things like this: “Ebay will hold your money for five days after you have made the purchase for your security.” This is completely fictitious.
12. Be extra wary about buying machines from abroad and transferring money to a foreign bank account. Go and see the machine in the flesh (make it into a quick holiday if you want).
13. Be sceptical about all claims, even if it’s your nature (as it is for most people in farming) to trust people.

If you wish to report advertising activity in Farmers Weekly or on fwi.co.uk that you feel is suspicious please email security@fwi.co.uk.

If you would like further information on this issue please click on the links below:

Trading Standards: www.tradingstandards.gov.uk

Serious Organised Crime Agency: www.soca.gov.uk

Other scams: www.dti.gov.uk

Metropolitan Police Fraud Alert: www.met.police.uk/fraudalert/