Mayo garda alert as fraudsters target agri-suppliers

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

On April 18 last 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. No goods returned. The seller is now at a loss.

Earlier this week another 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 on a picture of a bank draft for that amount to the seller and arranged for another male to collect the trailer.

It was collected on July 24. However, the bank draught did not arrive and the seller is now at a loss.

Sergeant Sean Cunnane , Crime Prevention Officer, is warning agri suppliers to consider the following when selling goods.

·Know you buyer – conduct thorough background checks on potential buyers.

·Secure payment methods – use secure and traceable payment methods such as bank transfers, credit cards or trusted escrow services. Avoid accepting personal cheques or cash from unknown buyers

·Require deposits – for large orders, require a deposit or partial payment upfront before shipping/collection of the goods

·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