Fraud in purchase of Ursus tractor and loader – losses reach 20,000 euros
Police in Opatów and Sztum are investigating cases of fraud in the purchase of agricultural machinery over the internet. In one case, losses amounted to 20,000 euros.
Virtual tractor and vanished seller – two cases of agricultural machinery fraud
According to agropolska.pl, officers from the Świętokrzyskie and Pomeranian voivodeships are investigating separate cases involving fraud in the purchase of agricultural machinery via the internet. In one of the cases, the buyer's losses reached 20,000 euros.
A resident of Opatów County found an online advert for the sale of a Ursus C-330 agricultural tractor for 7,800 Polish zlotys. After making contact with the seller, the parties agreed on the terms of the transaction, and the seller demanded a down payment to reserve the vehicle.
"The victim, convinced of the offer's credibility, transferred 2,500 zlotys to the specified account. After making the transfer, contact with the seller suddenly broke off. The advert was removed from the portal, and the phone number stopped responding," states the District Police Headquarters in Opatów.
The man realised he had fallen victim to fraud and reported the matter to Opatów officers.
At the same time, officers from the Police District Headquarters in Sztum are investigating a case involving a resident of that county who came across an online advert for the sale of a wheel loader. On the surface, the transaction appeared to be safe.
"In accordance with the agreement, the buyer transferred money for the vehicle. Unfortunately, after some time she realised she had been defrauded. She lost 20,000 euros," the Sztum investigators report.
Officers in Sztum warn that the ingenuity of fraudsters is constantly growing, and their activities can be very convincing. Officers from both voivodeships appeal for particular caution when purchasing vehicles and agricultural equipment over the internet, noting that similar cases continue to occur despite numerous warnings.
Source: Google News PL — Crime (pl)