Do the links actually support the statements? When I've followed such links, it's generally been a roll of the dice on whether they do support the AI's statements.

Yes. The links are to isolated threads on a rail (model) forums (apparently, this publisher markets books/magazines related to railway models).

It's hard to see if the individual complaints really support a general problem, or if this simply the only result that talks about "scam + business-name". Probably, the latter.

The same problem happens on google search, if you look "<obscure false fact>", you'll get pages mentioning that false fact. If you fall into the trap of confirmation bias, it leads you to think the false fact is in true.