Media contact:
Misti Preston
Phone: (573) 751-8596
Misti.Preston@mda.mo.gov

For Immediate Release: April 8, 2008

Department of Agriculture Again Reminds Producers of Hay Scammers

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) is once again reminding hay producers across the state to be aware of potential hay scams where they can be cheated out of thousands of dollars.

In 2007, MDA became aware of several attempts of supposed interested hay buyers contacting Missouri producers for the sale of hay. In these overpayment scam cases, a producer makes an agreement with the scammer and receives a substantial check written for over the amount requested. The producer is then asked to wire transfer funds to a truck hauler who will supposedly pick up the bales of hay in the coming days. Once that payment is mailed to the hauler, the producer finds out days and sometimes weeks later that the original check from the scammer has not cleared taking them for thousands of dollars.

"We ask that our producers make good business decisions when dealing with anyone interested in purchasing hay," said Katie Smith, director of MDA. "It is truly unfortunate that this scam continues and that someone is trying to take advantage of our producers. We ask that producers make sure they have some level of confidence in the buyer and their method of payment."

For more information or if you have been affected by this scam, contact Mark Murphy, marketing specialist, at (573) 751-7213 or Mark.Murphy@mda.mo.gov. To learn more about the Missouri Hay Directory, visit www.mda.mo.gov.

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