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🚫 Be Aware of Internet Fraud & Scams 🚫

Please be aware that Rock & Dirt:

  • Will Never ask you to divulge or update credit card numbers, bank account information, personal information, or other confidential or sensitive billing-related items via email.
  • Will Never ask you for proprietary information such as your username and password to the web site via email or phone.
  • Does Not own, buy or sell vehicles/machinery listed on our website.
  • Does Not participate in transactions between buyers and sellers in any way.
  • Does Not offer "Buyer Protection", "Escrow" Services or any type of "Certification".
  • Does Not give instructions on how or where to send in payments.
  • Does Not offer vehicle/machinery shipping or warehousing services.
  • Does Not provide warranties or inspections of vehicles/machinery.

Let us know about it. If you receive a suspicious email, report it to Rock & Dirt immediately. Forward the email to webmaster@rockanddirt.com Do not change the subject line or send it as an attachment. Simply forward the suspicious email message to us. We will contact you if we need additional information.

Be Vigilant

Many Internet scams are targeting sellers of high dollar items in the construction industry and commercial trucks. The best defense comes from the seller being aware of these individuals and their techniques. Below are some tips to remember:

Tips For Buyers

  • Know the vehicle's market value.
  • Be very suspicious of any vehicle priced significantly below market value. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Inspect the vehicle or hire a trusted service to inspect it for you. Have a professional mechanic or inspection service inspect the vehicle to identify problems. However, an inspection doesn't guarantee a vehicle is free from defects or any existing problems.
  • Confirm contact information Verify the seller's physical address and phone number BEFORE SENDING PAYMENT. Zip codes, area codes and addresses should match up.
  • Use email wisely. Do not send personal or financial information (such as your social security number, credit card number or checking account number) to a seller via email. Email communications are not secure.
  • Do not use money transfer services, such as Western Union to pay for online purchases. Even Western Union recommends against using their service or similar services to pay for online purchases. Be cautious about any seller who will only accept a money transfer.
  • If using an escrow service for payment, make sure it is a reputable, valid escrow service. Some buyers, purchasing outside their local area, may consider using an escrow service. If so, make sure it is a legitimate service. Go directly to the website of the escrow service. Do NOT go to an escrow service through a link in the seller's e-mail or use a service based on a referral from the seller. Check the web address to make sure you are at the valid website.
  • Get a detailed receipt. Ask the seller for a receipt that states whether the vehicle is being sold with a warranty or "as is."
  • Get title to the vehicle. Make sure you know what's required in your state to transfer title to the vehicle you're buying.

Tips for Sellers

Passwords, PINs, and Usernames

  • Never give out your usernames, passwords, or PINs to anyone.
  • Always make sure they are a combination of letters and numbers.
  • Change them as frequently as you can, and don't use the same pins or password for different accounts.
  • REMEMBER - Rock & Dirt (or its affiliated websites) will NEVER ask for your password or PIN.

Email Attachments

  • Be cautious about opening email attachments. Always make sure you scan them with anti-virus software first. Do not click on links within unsolicited email.
  • Do not click links inside an email you do not know is legitimate, even if it is sent from someone you know. Viruses are often hidden in seemingly harmless programs that people share for fun. Because many viruses make use of peoples' address books, you may receive virus emails from people you know.
  • Contact the sender to make sure the email is legitimate, and scan it carefully. Avoid having email programs set to preview email, as this can open a virus email before you have a chance to scan it.

Payment Methods

  • Never send credit card numbers via email.
  • When purchasing from a website, make sure it is a secure site before submitting credit card information. Look for the tiny padlock icon that symbolizes a secure site or the web address starts with "https" (The "s" denotes a secure site).
  • Credit card purchases can usually be disputed with the credit card company if a problem arises.
  • If purchasing outside your local area, consider using a legitimate escrow service . Go to the escrow service's website directly. Do not go to the website through a link in an email or use a service recommended by the seller.

Anti-Virus Software/Anti-Spyware and Firewalls

  • Protect your computer by using the most updated versions of anti-virus software to scan your system and e-mail for malicious viruses.
  • Use anti-spyware or adware programs to remove programs that track your Internet activity.
  • Use a firewall to make your computer invisible to outside attackers. A firewall is especially critical if you have your computer on a cable or DSL Internet connection that is constantly connected to the Internet.

Security Updates for Operating Systems/Browsers

  • Make sure to download, and install security updates for all browsers and operating systems in use on your computer frequently.
  • Keeping browser versions up-to-date is critical to computer security, and proper functionality of the latest security elements used in Internet e-commerce.

How to Report Fraud

File a report. File a report at www.ic3.gov with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Administration (BJA). IC3 gives victims of cyber crime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism. IC3 in turn alerts authorities by referring reports to the correct law enforcement or regulatory agencies at the federal, state, local and international level.

Visit the Sites Below to Learn More About Internet Fraud

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): File a complaint
http://www.ic3.gov

Better Business Bureau (BBB): Be a Smarter Consumer http://us.bbb.org
Tips to Avoid Online Escrow Fraud http://us.bbb.org/tips

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Consumer Information to Guard Against Fraud
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/consumer.shtm

Western Union: Protect Yourself From Fraud
http://www.westernunion.com/fraud

Escrow.com: Important Information About Fraudulent Escrow Sites
https://www.escrow.com

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): Fake Seals and Phony Numbers: How Fraudsters Try to Look Legit
http://www.sec.gov/fakeseals

Looks Too Good To Be True: Website Developed and Maintained by a Joint Federal Law Enforcement and Industry Task Force
http://www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com