Longford Farming: Unscrupulous criminals are targeting agricultural suppliers

Criminals targeting the agriculture sector have resulted in Gardaí issuing a warning about online selling.

Gardaí in the Mayo, Roscommon and Longford Division are investigating a number of recent incidents where unscrupulous criminals are targeting agricultural suppliers.

On July 24 an agri-supplier in the Strokestown area reported that he had a tri-axle cattle trailer advertised on DoneDeal.

He was contacted by a buyer, with a northern accent, and agreed a price of €8,500 for the trailer. The buyer sent a picture of a bank draft for that amount to the seller and arranged for another male to collect the trailer.

The trailer was collected on July 24, however, the bank draft did not arrive and the seller is now at a loss.

On April 18 an agri-supplier in the Belmullet area reported the agreed sale of cow mats to the value of €6,000. The alleged purchaser forwarded alleged proof of payment and collected the mats.

However, the money has not come through and no goods were returned. The seller is now at a loss. Sergeant Damien Bartley, Crime Prevention Officer is warning agri-suppliers to consider a number of tips when selling goods.

“Know you buyer, make sure you conduct thorough background checks on potential buyers,” advised Sergeant Bartley.

The Garda Crime Prevention Officer said: “Make sure you use secure payment methods, secure and traceable payment methods such as bank transfers, credit cards or trusted escrow services are a way of avoiding fraud. Avoid accepting personal cheques or cash from unknown buyers.”

Sergeant Bartley says that for large orders, require a deposit or partial payment upfront before shipping/collection of the goods is essential.

The final plea is that people report suspicious activity: “If you encounter suspicious behaviour or believe you are the target of fraud contact An Garda Síochána on 999. Sharing this information can help protect other sellers,” the Garda Crime Prevention Officer concluded.