Superior Heavy Machinery, an online entity claiming a Minnesota address, purports to sell used heavy equipment by posting online ads through a well known trading website. Consumers are then asked to wire money to a “parent company” in England before delivery of the equipment can be made.
Responding to a consumer complaint about this suspicious activity, the attorney general’s Consumer Protection Division investigated and determined that Superior Heavy Machinery is a fictitious company. Similar complaints from consumers in other states have resulted in the Better Business Bureau deeming this company fraudulent as well.
“This is another great reminder not to wire money overseas or to people you don‘t know,” Schmidt said.
To avoid falling victim to fraudulent online entities such as Superior Heavy Machinery, follow these tips:
- Watch out for requests to wire money overseas or domestically, or to place funds in escrow with a third-party company. Fraudulent online entities will commonly reference another company in an effort to appear more legitimate. Research these companies – if you can’t find any information on them, it should be a red flag.
- Don’t fall for offers that sound too good to be true. Ask the salesperson to send you written materials; take the time to do your research and don’t allow yourself to be pressured.
- Don’t let a fancy website sway you. Be sure to verify that the company has a track record. Be leery of companies that just “pop up” on the radar seemingly out of nowhere.
