The Leeton buyer thought he was purchasing a Fiat 640, similar to the one shown in this image. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
A Facebook user from Leeton has lost $3000 after being the victim of an alleged online tractor sale scam.
On 7 September 2025, the victim saw an advertisement for a Fiat 640 Tractor in Victoria being sold on Facebook Marketplace.
The user started a conversation with the seller about buying the tractor and having it transported to Leeton.
The victim and person of interest agreed to a price of $3000 over two payments.
On the same day, the victim made a $300 down payment into the seller’s bank account.
The victim and seller continued to converse online about how to get the tractor from Victoria to Leeton and the extra cost for the transport.
On 17 September 2025, the victim made the final payment of $2700 at the seller’s request.
After this, the seller stopped responding to the victim, who then made numerous attempts to contact the person via Facebook Messenger and by calling them.
The victim later attended Leeton Police Station to report the matter.
“Once again, police advise people not to purchase large items from persons they don’t know and transfer money to a seller when you have not even seen in person the item you are purchasing,” Murrumbidgee Police Inspector Glenn Smith said.
“If you intend on purchasing large items like vehicles or tractors, attend the location of the seller and inspect the vehicle and conduct the appropriate checks on the VIN or serial numbers to ensure the item is not stolen.”
He said you should only transfer funds at the time you are physically taking ownership of the item.
