Paid €40k for Tractor That Never Arrived

5 June 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

A Ryki County farmer lost nearly €40,000 to a tractor scam. Read how the fraud unfolded and how expats can protect themselves.

A resident of Ryki County paid nearly €40,000 after falling victim to a tractor scam. Police now investigate the case as fraud, and the machine never arrived.

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What happened in Ryki County

The buyer found an ad on a foreign marketplace for agricultural machines. Moreover, the seller claimed the tractor stood in Germany. The seller spoke German, and nothing initially raised suspicion. Consequently, the man agreed terms and transferred the agreed sum. However, problems appeared when he asked about transport and collection. The seller stopped answering calls and messages. In addition, formal demands to hand over the machine produced no result. Therefore the buyer reported the case to local police. Investigators opened proceedings for fraud.

tractor scam: how the scheme worked

Scammers often post attractive offers from abroad. Moreover, they may use professional-sounding language. Consequently, buyers assume the deal is legitimate. Fraudsters then ask for full payment upfront. However, they disappear before delivery. The victim in this case had prior experience with cross-border purchases. Nevertheless, he did not notice warning signs. In addition, the high price made him act quickly. Therefore the loss reached almost €40,000. Police warn that unusually low prices can signal fraud.

Official advice and immediate steps

Police urge buyers to verify sellers before sending money. Moreover, check company registration and reviews. For German sellers, consult the Handelsregister. In Poland, check KRS for companies. In addition, verify VAT identification numbers if a business transaction occurs. Contact your bank immediately if you suspect fraud. Furthermore, file a report with local police to start an investigation. You can also contact the European Consumer Centre for cross-border disputes. In addition, keep all messages and payment receipts as evidence.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you buy equipment from abroad, insist on seeing the machine in person or use a trusted intermediary. Check the seller’s company data in national registers. Ask for a VAT number and confirm it via EU VIES. If you live in Poland, know basic institutions: PESEL (national ID number), ZUS (social insurance institution), and NFZ (national health fund). And finally, use bank transfer protections or escrow services when possible.

Police also remind buyers to consult peers on forums and report suspicious listings to the marketplace. Moreover, keep calm and document every step. Finally, cross-border cases often need coordination between authorities, so expect delays.

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