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What The Hay? Scam Targets Missouri Farmers

July 5, 2007

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Missouri farmers would be well advised to display some of that famous “show me” skepticism if they want to avoid the “hay scam.”

Missouri law enforcement officials say con artists are using a Missouri Department of Agriculture Web site, where farmers register to advertise and sell their hay, to trick them out of thousands of dollars.

The technique is a variation of the overpayment scam, where the con artist mails a check to the seller, then asks the seller to send part of that money elsewhere via wire transfer. The seller then finds out some days or weeks later that the original check has bounced.

In this case, the hay seller receives an e-mail from someone claiming to be a hay buyer. The seller then receives a large check and is asked to wire money to a hauler, who will supposedly come and pick up the bales.

“I strongly encourage farmers to follow the time-tested practice of doing business and accepting payment from hay buyers face to face, rather than wiring money to a stranger,” said Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon.

“Farmers need to be able to take advantage of the excellent marketing and networking offered by the state Hay Directory without worrying about falling victim to an outright scam.”

Nixon says the overpayment scam has long targeted people selling products and services online, including cars, rental property and even bed and breakfasts.

But this is the first time anyone can recall that a scam has literally targeted those who may have just fallen off a hay wagon.

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