Attorney General's News Release

July 2, 2007

Nixon warns of scam aimed at farmers selling hay online

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon says hay farmers are the targets of a new Internet scam aimed at Missouri’s agriculture community. The Missouri Department of Agriculture offers a Hay Directory on its Web site where farmers register to advertise and sell their hay. Nixon says con artists are contacting businesses registered on the Web site, in hopes of tricking them out of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

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.

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.

“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,” Nixon said. “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.

Consumers with questions or complaints can call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222 or online at ago.mo.gov.

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Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818