Alert from the Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning to consumers regarding a nationwide scheme that involves the online impersonation of a legitimate heavy equipment dealer from Missouri.

Details of the Scam

In a notice released on July 24, 2025, the BBB highlighted a scam in which websites and online advertisements mimic Cook Equipment & Trucking, a genuine company located in Marble Hill, Missouri.

How the Scam Operates

Fraudulent individuals have created fake websites and ads on Facebook Marketplace that seem to be associated with Cook Equipment & Trucking, aiming to attract buyers for heavy machinery and farm equipment. Victims, after transferring money for the equipment, reported being ignored with no deliveries of the promised items.

Financial Impact

According to the BBB, scammers have launched three bogus websites, with the latest appearing on July 14, 2025, and continue to post misleading ads on social media platforms. Reported losses to the BBB have reached approximately $223,000, including:

• $45,000 – Oak Hills, California (skid steer loader)
• $32,000 – Hancock, Michigan (excavator)
• $29,500 – Amanda, Ohio (trailer)
• $29,000 – Greenville, North Carolina (trailer)
• $28,000 – Eastman, Wisconsin (skid steer loader)
• $31,000 – Des Moines, Iowa (excavator)
• $29,000 – Blue, Arizona (skid steer)

Advice from the BBB

“Prospective buyers of heavy equipment and vehicles online should conduct thorough research to avoid being victims of virtual vendor scams,” stated Michelle L. Corey, BBB St. Louis President and CEO. “Prices that are significantly lower than market value should raise concerns.”

Consumer Protection Tips

The BBB recommends consumers take the following precautions to avoid falling victim to similar scams:

• Investigate the business through BBB.org or contact your local BBB.
• Be cautious of deals that sound too good to be true.
• Verify the website and reach out to the business directly.
• Thoroughly read all terms and understand refund policies.
• Utilize a credit card for added security.
• Report scams to the BBB Scam Tracker, your state attorney general, the FTC, and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Also, inform the social media platform where you encountered the fraud.

For Further Information

For more insights, refer to the BBB’s 2024 study on online vehicle vendor scams.