The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) has been investigating a scam that seems to be targeting hay growers listed in the Missouri Hay Directory. A grower is contacted by a supposedly interested buyer, then receives a substantial check and is asked to wire transfer funds to a trucker who will supposedly pick up the hay. The sham buyer then claims he overpaid the seller and asks the seller to send part of the funds back via wire transfer. Days or weeks later, the seller finds out the original payment did not clear. An MDA employee who is also a hay producer was contacted as part of the scam, but became suspicious and didn't lose any money. He has been helping with the investigation.
For more information visit the MDA Web site at www.mda.mo.gov.