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Better Business Bureau of North Alabama is issuing a scam alert to the public regarding Hiland Equipment, LLC, a legitimate business whose identity has been stolen. A group of scammers built a fraudulent website, hilandequipment.com, using the business’ information and claimed to sell heavy equipment such as tractors, bulldozers, etc.
Complaints and inquiries reported to BBB allege consumers ordered heavy equipment but never received it. Victims in MN, TX, NC, and CA wired money to complete their purchase.
BBB contacted Barry Hiland, the real owner of Hiland Equipment, LLC located in Fort Payne, Alabama, to make him aware of this situation. He stated that his company only does business through their Facebook page, and he would never request customers to wire money.
BBB offers these tips for safe online shopping:
- Know the advertiser. Some of the best deals are only available online but be careful. It’s easy for a fake site to mimic a famous retailer’s website, so make sure you shop with a legitimate site.
- Think before you click. Be especially cautious about email solicitations and online ads on social media sites. Many sketchy retailers advertise great deals or trendy items that don’t measure up to the promotional hype.
- Beware of too-good-to-be-true…
