Heavy Machinery Scam Spotted In South Dakota

Be advised: If you’re in Sioux Falls or anywhere across South Dakota and thinking about buying heavy equipment online, this is one of those moments where slowing down could save you thousands of dollars and one big, massive headache!

The South Dakota Better Business Bureau is warning residents about a company operating under the name “Digron Machinery Depot,” and the red flags are hard to miss. According to Jessie Schmidt with the South Dakota BBB, this outfit is advertising heavy equipment at prices that seem way too good to be true.

Here’s how the scam is playing out: potential buyers browsing online listings come across deeply discounted prices on equipment like tractors, skid steers, and other big-ticket items. Once interest is shown, the pressure ramps up fast. Buyers are told multiple people are waiting in line, and if they don’t act immediately, they’ll lose out. That urgency is a classic scam tactic designed to get you to act before you think.

Get our free mobile app

Another major warning sign? Digron reportedly only accepts one form of payment, which is never a good sign when you’re dealing with expensive equipment. And once that money is sent, it’s gone. No refunds. No product. No company.

According to Dakota News Now, complaints have already reached the South Dakota Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, which is now working to get the website taken down and see that no other sites like it pop up.

READ MORE:  Popular Bar in a South Dakota Small Town is Closing This Spring

Here's the key takeaway for everyone across the state:

If you can’t physically inspect the equipment, or at least verify a legitimate local dealer, don’t risk it. As Schmidt puts it, if you can’t “kick the tires,” it’s time to do a deep dive into the company or walk away.

Remember, if you think you’ve ever encountered a potential scam, report it right away to the South Dakota Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Protection at 1-800-300-1986, email consumerhelp@state.sd.us, or file a complaint online at consumer.sd.gov.