A Cautionary Call to Farmers and Small Businesses

Farmers and small businesses in rural and regional areas are facing an alarming rise in scams, particularly when purchasing heavy machinery. As a result, it is crucial for these individuals to exercise caution and remain vigilant.

Escalating Losses in the Agricultural Sector

Reports to the ACCC's Scamwatch reveal that Australian farm businesses have suffered losses exceeding $1.2 million to scammers between January and August 2022. This represents a significant increase of over 20% compared to the same period last year.

Tractors and Heavy Machinery: A Prime Target

The most prevalent scam affecting farmers revolves around the sale of tractors and heavy machinery. Shockingly, losses from this specific scam alone have surpassed $1 million this year.

Cunning Tactics and Devastating Consequences

Scammers employ ruthless tactics to entice farmers and rural businesses. They create fake websites or post bogus classifieds on legitimate platforms and publications, luring unsuspecting victims with enticing online deals. ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh expresses concern over the concerning rise in agricultural scams, as they inflict significant financial losses and emotional distress on farm businesses.

Staying One Step Ahead

To protect yourself, it is vital to be alert to the risks of scams and take additional precautions. Mr. Keogh urges farmers and business owners to conduct extra checks and be wary of sophisticated impersonation techniques employed by scammers, such as using fake ABNs (Australian Business Numbers).

Verifying Legitimacy and Avoiding Pitfalls

Independently verifying the existence of a business by searching the address and contacting nearby businesses is a crucial step in ensuring the seller's authenticity. Performing an internet search of the ad's exact wording can also unveil potential scams. It is essential never to click on links provided by the seller and refrain from paying upfront, even if promised a refundable sum. Inspecting machinery in person or through live video is highly recommended, as scammers often make excuses to avoid in-person inspections.

Recognizing Red Flags

Scammers frequently advertise machinery at prices significantly lower than the market rate. As a rule of thumb, if an offer seems too good to be true or if you feel pressured in any way, it's likely a scam. Trust your instincts and exercise caution.

Safeguarding Personal Information

Farmers are cautioned against divulging excessive personal information, as scammers often target more than just financial assets. Legitimate sellers will only require the necessary information for order delivery, so be mindful of potential identity theft risks.

Reporting Scams and Seeking Assistance

Regardless of whether money has been lost, businesses are encouraged to report scams and seek help through the Scamwatch website scamwatch.gov.au.

(Source: ACCC - Australian Competition and Consumer Commission)