Tennessee Department of Agriculture officials worried that a scam happening in Texas could spread to the Volunteer State have issued a warning to hay farmers who sell the crop.
“It’s come to our attention that scammers are targeting hay sellers,” states the notice on the department’s Facebook page. “There have been no reports in Tennessee, but we know of at least two in Texas and worry it could spread.”
The scam works something like others used to target people who are trying to sell a product, officials said.
“The fake buyer texts a seller requesting hay. After a price is set, a check for twice the agreed amount is sent with instructions that the additional money is for shipping and/or taxes. The buyer tells the seller to wire the difference to them. Problem is, it’s a bogus check and it bounces,” officials said.
Responses to the Agriculture Department’s post included remarks from farmers that the same tactic is applied to other commodities like livestock, equipment, cars and boats and almost any other items that could involve a distant so-called “buyer.”
Some responses noted that experienced farmers rarely fall for the trick but others said they knew of people who had been duped.
Anyone who believes they are being scammed needs to contact law enforcement and the TN AG Crime Unit immediately at 1-844-AGCRIME or 1-844-242-7463.