(CENTREVILLE) – Local authorities are warning the public about a scam that may be moving into Southwest Michigan.

St. Joseph County Undersheriff Jason Bingaman says on June 21, deputies responded to the 60,000 block of M-66 in Colon Township to investigate a possible stolen skid steer.

During their investigation, it was discovered that a scam that typically happens on the east side of the State, where individuals rent equipment from stores such as Home Depot and then sell them at average cost before they are due back, has now begun to move into Southwest Michigan.

The victim in this case reported they purchased the skid steer at a fair market value and everything seemed normal.

Bingaman wants all residents of St. Joseph County to be vigilant when purchasing equipment from private parties.

The Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating this incident and encourages anyone with information related to suspicious equipment sales to come forward and report it to the authorities. Additionally, investigators would like the community to know if they do decide to purchase equipment from private parties to attempt to verify the authenticity and to be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office and ask for Sergeant Paulino Hernandez at 269-467-9045, extension 317.