Update: Liquidation auction advertised on signs across Wichita canceled

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Update: The Hyatt Regency in Wichita says an auction advertised on signs across town is canceled. Ahead of that official announcement, 12 News spoke with a podcaster who said he’s been following the auction group around the country since last August.

The podcaster, who goes by “Son of Gonzo,” said he’s spoken with people who reported false advertising and scams associated with the advertised liquidation sales.

Signs showing up throughout Wichita advertise a liquidation sale on Saturday involving government-seized assets. The signs have some wondering if the ad is for a legitimate sale or if this is a scam. There is no listed address or business name listed on the physical signs. The signs do include a number. When 12 News called, there was no answer, only a text announcing when and where the sale would happen.

Attorney Jason Roach with the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office Consumer Protection Division addressed the questions and concerns about the signs.

“I was able to verify that the company listed had obtained a license through the City of Wichita,” Roach said.

He said live auctions need to meet certain requirements.

“That includes listing not just who you are and where you’re from, but the list of items that you are going to auction away,” Roach said. “Now, I can’t verify the items because I haven’t seen them. I wasn’t able to find anything on the Better Business Bureau about this particular entity.”

The sign and associated website say the auction will have luxury items but in the text, it said nothing is online and there isn’t a catalog. The only way to view the items is to be at the auction site.

Roach said people should be asking questions.

“You have to be careful when assessing how much you’re willing to pay for something that you know very little about,” he said.

The auctions signs seen throughout Wichita have also been seen recently in Lincoln, Nebraska, Boston and parts of Oklahoma.

Roach said anyone with questions on auctions within the City of Wichita can contact the city’s licensing department for more information.

Copyright 2023 KWCH. All rights reserved. To report a correction or typo, please email news@kwch.com