Farmers selling items such as heavy machinery or sourcing stock feed continue to be targeted by scammers looking for quick profits and Grain Producers Australia is urging growers to speak out, share their experiences, and report scams.
In line with Scam Awareness Week, running from August 26-30, GPA Chair Barry Large said the strength of farming networks means that by sharing a story, growers can arm others with the information to identify, avoid, report and recover from scams.
“Being online is a part of growing grain these days, but it also means we need to look after our own cyber security,” he said.
“You hear stories all the time and these stories can help us educate each other to know what to keep an eye out for.”
In recent years, reports of scams targeting farm businesses to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s ScamWatch have been increasing year on year.
Most recently, a spate of hay bale scams targeted farmers in Tasmania desperate for feed for their animals were reported, with a person eventually charged for fraudulent activities.
Mr Large urged growers to not only support their networks by being aware and reporting cyber security issues, but to report scams through the National Anti-Scam Centre.
Scams can take many forms, with emails having scam links or attachments and online marketplaces false listings or false buyer enquiries being quite common.
Impersonation scams and identity theft are also real issues where scammers use new technology, new products or services and major events to create believable stories that convince you to give them your money, financial or personal details.
The advice is to always stop and check before acting.
ACCC Deputy Chair Catroina Lowe said everyone plays a part in shutting down criminal scammers.
“By talking to each other, we can make sure no one is alone in the fight against scams,” she said.
“We are not powerless, and people who’ve had money stolen should not feel shame when they’ve been targeted by sophisticated criminals.”
Useful resources
GPAs Cyber Security resources for growers HERE
ScamWatch – Report a scam HERE
ScamWatch – What to do HERE
ENDS
Further Information:
GPA Chair Barry Large – 0427 549 023
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