Beware of Online Livestock Scams: Tips to Protect Your Farm

As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, online scams are becoming increasingly prevalent, targeting farmers and livestock enthusiasts alike. The Queensland Rural and Stock Crime Squad has issued a warning to the community, urging caution when purchasing livestock online.

Reports have surfaced of fraudulent activity on social media, where livestock are advertised for sale, and deposits are made only to find that the seller fails to deliver or the livestock is not present at the agreed-upon location. The affected breeds include cattle, horses, donkeys, and chickens.

To avoid falling victim to these scams, the Rural and Stock Crime Squad recommends conducting thorough background checks on sellers and livestock before making any deposits. This can be achieved by:

* Inspecting the livestock in person

* Requesting the Property Identification Code, National Vendor Declaration, and National Livestock Identification System tag numbers

* Verifying the seller's reputation and credentials

Additionally, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) National Anti-Scam Centre has issued warnings about hay bale scams, where scammers advertise hay for sale and request deposits, only to disappear after the payment is made.

To protect yourself from online scams, remember:

* Never pay money to someone you only know through social media

* Use secure payment methods, such as PayPal or credit card, for online transactions

* Contact your bank immediately if you've transferred money or shared financial information

* Report scams to Scamwatch and help others by sharing your experience

According to the ACCC's National Anti-Scam Centre, in 2023, scams that originated on social media resulted in the second-highest volume of reported losses, with a staggering increase of 16.5% from 2022 to $93.5 million.

Scammers often create fake profiles on social media, messaging platforms, and apps, pretending to be from government agencies, real businesses, employers, or even friends and family. They may also use quizzes or posts designed to deceive you into sharing personal information, which they can use to guess your account passwords or target you with other scams.

Stay vigilant and protect your farm by being aware of these online scams and taking the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and secure online experience.