SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Better Business Bureau of the Midwest Plains (BBB) is warning farmers and contractors about Bass Farm Equipment, an active equipment purchase scam that claims to be located in Castlewood, South Dakota, and has stolen more than $35,000 from a pair of consumers.

The fraudulent operation claims to be located at 17949 459th Ave in Castlewood, the name and address of a real family farm business, and has a website at bassfarmequipment.com. The website remains active as of May 28.

BBB has reported the fraud to the Hamlin County Sheriff’s Office and the South Dakota Attorney General.

The Investigation

BBB discovered that the address listed on the website — 17949 459th Avenue, Castlewood, South Dakota — belongs to Craig and Roxanne Bass, who own Bass Sanitary Services and a farm. They do not sell farm equipment.

On May 26, 2026, BBB investigators spoke directly with Roxanne Bass, who confirmed she has no affiliation with bassfarmequipment.com. Bass reported that a consumer from North Dakota showed up at their home address inquiring about heavy equipment they do not own or sell. The scammers are using the Bass family’s name, address and reputation to commit fraud.

The website domain was registered on May 4, 2026 — yet the website’s “About Us” section claims Bass Farm Equipment has been “serving farmers and builders since 1995” with “30+ years experience.” This is a clear fabrication created to appear established and trustworthy.

The same phone number (605-215-1629) used by this scam has been associated with another fraudulent operation called “Miller Equipment” on consumer fraud reporting websites. This suggests a larger fraud ring operating multiple fake dealerships with recycled contact information.

How the Scam Works

A consumer in North Dakota saw equipment listed on Facebook by “Bass Farm Equipment.” The consumer called the phone number and was immediately told to wire payment. When she insisted on seeing the equipment in person before sending money, the business disconnected the call and ceased all communication.

One consumer reported on another online reporting platform that they lost $14,500 after wiring money for equipment that was never delivered.

BBB received a Scam Tracker report on May 28 from a Texas-area consumer who found equipment listed on Facebook Marketplace and contacted Bass Farm Equipment for more information. After several phone conversations, the consumer signed a sales agreement, received an invoice and completed a money transfer. They received shipping information, but the equipment never arrived. The consumer ultimately reported losing $23,970.

This pattern is consistent: demand wire payment upfront, disconnect when the buyer requests verification, then vanish.

Red Flags

The website is professionally deceptive:

• Professional branding with a detailed logo and color scheme

• Detailed “About Us” section with a fake company history, team photo, and a man in a Bass Farm Equipment cap claiming 30+ years experience

• Large inventory of specific heavy equipment with pricing and detailed photos

• “Benefits of Buying From Us” section with six benefit cards highlighting $0.80/load mile home delivery, real-time tracking, minimum 6-month warranty, 30-day money-back guarantee, 24/7 support and clear order process

• “Recent Hauls” section featuring six videos of equipment delivery and transport

• “Questions Buyers Ask” section addressing common concerns about delivery, refunds and pickups

• “Read Customers Thoughts” section with 5-star reviews from customers in Chicago, Salt Lake City and Seattle

• Eight-step “How to Buy” process with detailed descriptions of each stage

• Professional footer with navigation links, legal pages, contact information, working hours and email

• Multiple Facebook pages with the same name, phone number and address

• Finance options and return policies prominently displayed

 Why It’s Fraud

• Identity theft. The website impersonates a real family business. The address belongs to Craig and Roxanne Bass, who have no connection to farm equipment sales. A real consumer visited their home looking for equipment that doesn’t exist.

• Impossible history. The domain was registered May 4, 2026, but the website claims 30 years in business since 1995. The timeline is impossible.

• Contradictory warranty terms. The website prominently states “Minimum 6 Months Warranty” in the benefits section, but then contradicts itself elsewhere, stating “minimum three-month warranty on eligible items.” Legitimate businesses maintain consistent terms.

• Fabricated testimonials. The website displays customer reviews from around the country with professional photos and 5-star ratings. These testimonials cannot be verified and likely do not represent real transactions.

• Stolen photos. The equipment images on the fraudulent website appear on other suspicious websites and Facebook auto sales pages. The scammers are recycling photos from legitimate dealers and other fraud operations.

• Demands wire payment. The scammers insist on upfront wire transfers, a payment method that cannot be reversed. When buyers ask to inspect equipment first or request verification, communication stops immediately.

• Phone number is recycled. The same phone number appears in at least two separate fraud operations, suggesting an organized ring with shared infrastructure.

• No inventory exists. Despite featuring specific equipment listings with photos and pricing (ranging from $49,900 to $98,000), no equipment actually exists. The business has no location, no staff, and no operating base.

 Tips for Consumers

When buying farm equipment:

• Verify the seller. Search the BBB at bbb.org and check the South Dakota Secretary of State website for legitimate business registrations. Call the South Dakota Attorney General if you’re unsure.

• Visit in person. Never buy equipment without inspecting it at the seller’s location. A legitimate dealer will welcome an in-person visit before you pay a dime. Any excuse to avoid an in-person meeting is a red flag.

• Never wire money. Wire transfers cannot be reversed. If a seller demands wire payment before you see equipment, it’s a scam. Use credit cards or other reversible payment methods that offer fraud protection.

• Check business registration. Ask for a business license number and verify it independently with the Secretary of State. A legitimate business should be proud to share this information.

• Beware of social media listings. Scammers use Facebook to reach buyers quickly. Legitimate equipment dealers have established websites and physical locations. Be suspicious of equipment sellers you find only on Facebook.

• Watch for contradictions. Look for inconsistencies in warranty terms, company history, or other details. Legitimate businesses maintain consistent information across their website.

• Check for fabricated reviews. Real reviews vary in detail and tone. Suspiciously perfect 5-star reviews with professional photos are a red flag.

• Watch for pressure and urgency. Any dealer who refuses to let you inspect equipment before payment or pressures you to act quickly is hiding something.

• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Real businesses welcome questions and verification.

 If You Have Been Victimized

• File a police report immediately with the Hamlin County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement.

• Contact your bank or payment provider to document the fraud

• Report to BBB: bbb.org/scamtracker

• Contact the South Dakota Attorney General: (605) 773-4400 or consumer.sd.gov/complaintform.aspx

The website and associated social media pages remain active. The BBB will continue monitoring and updating law enforcement.