Buyer beware: Sheriff’s Office investigating fraudulent business
Published 3:16 pm Monday, August 10, 2026The Decatur County Sheriff’s Office is investigating several cases of fraud from a “non-existent business” called Bradley Tractor & Equipment, the department said. . .
Published 3:16 pm Monday, August 10, 2026The Decatur County Sheriff’s Office is investigating several cases of fraud from a “non-existent business” called Bradley Tractor & Equipment, the department said on Facebook Friday. The company claims to be located at 184 John Rich Rd. , according to the Sheriff’s Office. Itswebsite includes photos of its “family operation” that appear to have been generated using artificial intelligence. Five-star customer reviews on the website also appear to have been generated using artificial intelligence. The Post-Searchlight called the number listed on Bradley Tractor & Equipment’s website Monday, but there was no answer. “This is a warning that this business does not exist in Decatur County, Georgia,” the Sheriff’s Officesaid. “Do not attempt to do business with this scam company. ”The Post-Searchlight previously reported the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s warning that scammers are targeting farmers who are searching for equipment. According to the department, scammers pose as legitimate farm equipment dealerships, offering attractive prices that catch buyers’ attention. Buyers hand over their money, but their new equipment is never delivered — or it didn’t exist in the first place. The scammers’ websites and online advertisements are “highly convincing,” according to the Department of Agriculture. Cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence to imitate businesses and deceive potential buyers, posing as dealership representatives on phone calls or text messages.