The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) would like to warn Texans about potential scams being run against individuals who have hay for sale.

TDA has received alerts in the past about scammers contacting hay sellers. The supposed hay buyer will send the seller a check in excess of the amount the hay is being sold for and then ask the seller to wire the extra money somewhere else. The scammers explain the overpayment by saying they need to cover taxes or shipping costs; then the check bounces and the scammer already has the money wired to them. The hay seller is then left to pay the money back to the bank.

TDA recommends always reaching out to your local law enforcement agency if something seems fishy about a transaction or purchase.
 

Remember:

• TDA does not verify the prices listed in the ads on the Hay Hotline.

• TDA is not responsible for inquiry responses you receive from the Hay Hotline. 

• TDA advises all of its hay suppliers to practice sound business dealings when responding to inquiries for the sale of their hay.

• If you feel you have been the victim of fraud, contact your local law enforcement.

To File a Complaint:

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud, or you have been contacted about an attempted scam, please file a complaint with the Texas Office of the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission.