Farmers are being warned that scammers are targeting the agricultural sector.
Whether it be via text message, a phone call, email or via social media, scam artists will stop at nothing to try and gain access to your money and personal information. We have seen this with the latest breaches with both Optus and Medibank Private.
The overarching problem has no doubt touched yourself or someone you know and, to say it is an epidemic is an understatement.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is urging farmers and small businesses in rural and regional areas to be cautious, particularly when buying heavy machinery, following a spike in scams targeting the agricultural sector.
Reports to the ACCC’s Scamwatch show farm businesses have lost more than $1.2 million to scammers between 1 January and 31 August 2022, an increase of more than 20 per cent compared to the same period last year.
“The most common scam targeting farmers involves the sale of tractors and heavy machinery, with losses to this scam alone topping $1 million to date.”
“Scammers are ruthlessly luring farmers and rural businesses with seemingly good online deals on tractors and other farm machinery through fake websites or bogus classifieds on legitimate platforms and publications,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.
“Scammers are highly sophisticated in the ways they impersonate a business – some fake websites have ABNs for instance – which is why we are urging farmers and business owners to be alert to the scam risks and do extra checks to avoid getting caught out.”
Warning signs to be wary of:
- Prices that seem too good to be true
- Offers of a free trial period
- Promises to hold your money in a third-party account or escrow service
- Sellers trying to rush you into a purchase
Many scams can be revealed by doing an internet search of the exact wording in the ad. Never click on a link provided to you by the seller or pay upfront – even if you are promised the money is refundable. Ask to pay at the time of delivery or pickup.
If possible, inspect the machinery in person or via live video first. Scammers will often have an excuse as to why machinery can’t be inspected in person and that is a red flag for any buyer.
“Farmers are also being warned against giving too much personal information as scammers are targeting more than just money.”
“Legitimate sellers will only ever ask for enough information to deliver what you’ve ordered, so it is important not to give too much personal information over the phone or online as you may fall victim to identity theft,” Mr Keogh said.
“If you have provided personal information and you are concerned you have been scammed, contact IDCARE immediately.”
Businesses, regardless of whether they have lost money, are encouraged to report scams and learn more about how to get help on the Scamwatch website scamwatch.gov.au.
Background
The ACCC-run Scamwatch aims to raise awareness about how to recognise, avoid and report scams. It shares intelligence and works with government, law enforcement and the private sector to disrupt and prevent scams.
If you have experienced cybercrime and lost money online, you can report to police via ReportCyber.
For crisis support to help with emotional distress about scams contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or access support via the online chat between 7pm and midnight www.lifeline.org.au.
Beyond Blue also provides support for anxiety and depression 1300 22 4636 or chat online www.beyondblue.org.au.
Whether it be via text message, a phone call, email or via social media, scam artists will stop at nothing to try and gain access to your money and personal information. We have seen this with the latest breaches with both Optus and Mediband Private.
The overarching problem has no doubt touched yourself or someone you now. To say it is an epidemic is an understatement.