There have been a number of what seem to be attempted frauds in recent weeks where supposed “customers” have made contact by phone with dealers to purchase tractors.

The details of this apparent scam are very similar to incidents last year when dealers supplied tractors and were paid by what transpired to be fraudulent bank drafts.

Thankfully the recent attempts have not been successful, due to an appropriate degree of caution being exercised by the dealers in question.

In all cases, but particularly when dealing with previously unknown customers, it is the advice of the Association that dealers should not release any machine until the payment has been confirmed as cleared in the dealer’s bank account. This should apply to all payments be they cheque, draft, electronic and even cash.