Sheriff warns of fake online business scams after victim loses $10K

LYON COUNTY, Ky. (KFVS) – The Lyon County Sheriff is sharing a warning to those who make purchases on social media after one victim recently lost $10,000.

According to the sheriff’s office, a deputy received a scam complaint on Thursday, November 7 in which the victim reportedly purchased a tractor on Facebook Marketplace.

An investigation revealed that an unknown party posed as a legitimate business with a professional-looking website, which was connected to a Marketplace advertisement for tractors and construction equipment.

The victim communicated electronically with someone who he believed was connected to the business that was selling the equipment, He then wire transferred over $10,000 in funds from his bank to a bank account he believed was connected to this business.

When the victim never received the tractor he purchased and was unable to make contact with the business again, he reported it to the Lyon Co. Sheriff’s Office.

Currently, investigators say this company went out of business in 1995 and the money transferred was believed to have been diverted to an out-of-country account.

“Many times, with this case included, when the actors are in foreign countries, there may be little to anything that can be done to identify or prosecute these offenders,” said Sheriff Brent White. “It is heartbreaking and sometimes life-changing for the victims of these crimes. Most of the time law enforcement is powerless to recoup these exploited funds, much less bring anyone to justice.”

Sheriff White said he encourages Lyon Co. residents to only deal with known and reputable sellers when purchasing items locally–especially online.

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