NASHVILLE — Scam artists are using a forged signature of Tennessee Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Carter Lawrence, warned Lawrence and Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti on Wednesday.
The scheme involves a listing on Facebook Marketplace for a nonexistent tractor for sale, officials said.
“I am shocked and angered that scammers would use my name in order to target our state’s hard-working agricultural community,” Lawrence said in a joint news release with Skrmetti issued by the Attorney General’s Office. “If you are approached by someone about this so-called deal who claims to represent me or our department, do not send them any money and contact the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office immediately.”
The “seller” so far has used a generic woman’s name and quickly directs buyers to contact Hartley Logistics. Hartley is an entity that claims to be based in Memphis with possession of the tractor.