Now They're Even Scamming Farmers

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These people obviously have no ethics, morals, or boundaries:

Producers-of-Hay Purchasing Scam

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Oct. 10, 2007) - The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is alerting hay producers across the state, including those listed on the Maryland Hay and Straw Directory, of a ploy in which producers are contacted by a supposed buyer who could potentially scam them out of thousands of dollars.

"We are asking our producers to use caution and make good business decisions when dealing with anyone interested in purchasing hay," said Agriculture Secretary Roger Richardson. "The Maryland Hay and Straw Directory has truly been a success for more than 20 years and it is unfortunate that someone is trying to take advantage of producers. We ask that our producers make sure they have some level of confidence in the buyer and their method of payment."

In Missouri and likely other states, producers selling hay and straw are contacted by someone claiming they are interested in making a purchase. The producers then receive a substantial check and, in addition, are asked to wire transfer funds to a truck hauler who will supposedly pick up the bales of hay or straw. This is considered an overpayment scam where the buyer mails a check to the seller asking the seller to send part of the funds via wire transfer to a hauling company. The producer then finds out days and sometimes weeks later that the original payment has not cleared.

For more information regarding the Maryland Hay and Straw Directory, visit Maryland Department of Agriculture.
 
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