News Summary
Residents of Baton Rouge are being warned by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) about a fraudulent scheme involving a fake mobile home company named Rose Harvey Mobile Homes. The scammers use deceptive tactics such as fake websites and social media pages to lure victims into wiring money for non-existent mobile homes, with one victim reportedly losing $3,500. The BBB has advised consumers to exercise caution when making significant online purchases and has reported the scam to the FBI for further investigation.
Baton Rouge Residents Warned of Mobile Home Scam
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has alerted Baton Rouge residents about a fraudulent mobile home scheme operating under the name Rose Harvey Mobile Homes. This scam involves deceptive practices designed to trick consumers into sending money for non-existent mobile homes.
Scammers are utilizing fake photos of mobile homes along with several active Facebook pages to promote their fraudulent activities. To make the operation seem legitimate, a fraudulent website has also been created, mimicking a real business’s online presence. The address associated with Rose Harvey Mobile Homes connects to a registered and legitimate mobile home business based in Denham Springs, Louisiana, which is not involved in the scam.
Victims have reported being asked to wire funds upfront for mobile homes that were never delivered. One victim lost as much as $3,500 after wiring money for a mobile home that was never received. The scammers lure potential customers by advertising a supposed delivery fee of $1,500 to any location within Louisiana, a claim that the BBB considers highly improbable.
Consumer Caution Advised
Carmen Million, President of the BBB of South Central Louisiana, has stressed the importance of being cautious when making substantial purchases online, particularly items that cannot be verified in person. Consumers are advised to thoroughly investigate the legitimacy of sellers before sending any money, particularly when it involves wiring funds or making upfront payments.
The BBB has already taken steps to raise awareness regarding this scam. The fraudulent scheme has been reported to the FBI for further investigation, and they have created a Business Profile for Rose Harvey Mobile Homes to inform the public about the scheme.
No Registration and Reporting Fraud
It is essential to note that all companies selling mobile homes in Louisiana are required to register with the State Fire Marshal’s office. The BBB has confirmed that there is no business operating under the name Rose Harvey Mobile Homes registered with the State Fire Marshal, further highlighting the scam’s illegitimate nature.
Consumers who believe they have fallen victim to this scam are encouraged to report their experiences through the BBB ScamTracker. Additionally, it is recommended that affected individuals contact their local authorities for assistance. To obtain further information or to report any suspicious activity, individuals can visit the BBB’s website or contact their Baton Rouge office at (225) 346-5222.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WBRZ: BBB Warns of Mobile Home Scam
- Wikipedia: Fraud
- WAFB: BBB Warns of Rental Home Scam
- Google Search: Mobile Home Scam Louisiana
- Pelican Post: BBB Issues Alert on Mobile Home Scam
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Scam
- 107.9 IShot: ICE Detains Wife of Louisiana Veteran
