7 Warning Signs of John Deere Riding Mower Scams on Home Depot Marketplace

If a John Deere Riding Mower is listed at a price significantly below market value, it's a major red flag. Scammers use bait-and-switch tactics, advertising attractive prices to lure buyers before revealing hidden costs or offering a non-existent product.

Be wary of sellers who provide overly elaborate or emotional stories for selling the mower quickly, such as a sudden death or an urgent move. These narratives are often fabricated to pressure buyers into making a fast decision without thorough inspection.

Scammers often insist on payment through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, as these methods are difficult to trace and recover. Legitimate sellers on platforms like Home Depot Marketplace typically offer more secure payment options.

Listings that use generic stock photos or images that appear to be stolen from other websites are highly suspicious. Scammers may also use the same set of photos across multiple fake listings. Performing a reverse image search can help identify reused images.

Be cautious if a seller tries to move the conversation off the Home Depot Marketplace platform or insists on using third-party identity verification services not officially integrated with the marketplace. This is often an attempt to circumvent buyer protections.

A legitimate seller should be willing to allow a physical inspection of the John Deere Riding Mower, especially for a high-value item. Refusal to meet in person or a constant stream of excuses to avoid it is a significant red flag, often indicating the item is not as described or doesn't exist.

Check the seller's profile for any history or reviews. A brand new profile with only one listing, or a profile with inconsistent information, can indicate a scammer. Be especially wary if the same listing appears in many different locations.