Ag and Construction Targeted Scam info

Please pass this information on to anyone that you feel might benefit. I am a member of 2 different sheriff's reporting groups and received this information from 1 of them. I am sharing in the hopes that it might prevent bad things from happening to good people. Please contact your local law enforcement if anyone contacts you in a similar manner as is described below.

 

Brett,

 

As a member of the TRACE program, I wanted to enlighten you on an apparent scam that is taking place.

 

It appears that these individuals involved have purchased a mailing/subscription list from some farm publication companies. Therefore, they have a targeted audience.

 

As I am involved daily in agriculture, I have been one of their targets recently on 3 separate occasions.

 

The first involved a phone call 3 weeks ago, regarding the purchase on this new diesel fuel supplement that increases the fuel efficiency of vehicles, semi's, farm, and construction equipment. The scammers talk about it only being available in 55 gallon drums, but as the conversation goes on the order size drops to the ability to sell it in 1 gallon containers. This retails for $109. They have no supporting documentation, a website, testimonials, etc… When asked, they acknowledge the lack of documentation, but they tell you to "trust them". It is extremely high pressure sales from people with a northeastern accent as they are trying to get your account info. When I told them I wasn't interested, they turned extremely offensive and rude. The phone # shows up an "unknown number"

 

The second happened yesterday. It involves this new breakthrough in chemicals. It is a ground sterilant product that kills and controls plant regrowth for a period of 6 years. Once again, the scammers talk about it only being available in 55 gallon drums, but as the conversation goes on the order size drops to the ability to sell it in 1 gallon containers. This also retails for $109. The fellow did tell me about a website called www.harvestsupply.com, but when you go to the site; it's under construction. When I asked the fellow what the active ingredient is, he told me "Trimec".  Well Trimec is what you spray on your lawns for broadleaf control. When I pressured the scammer for the EPA registration label, the fellow started cursing me out and ended by calling me a ""f**king smuck".   The phone # that showed up on this individual is (631) 776-8043. I googled the area code and found it to be in upstate New York.

 

The third happened today, it was once again regarding the diesel fuel treatment, same deal as above. Push,Push,Push to get my account info to buy this stuff. When I told him I am not interested, this fellow also got very pissed off.

 

In conclusion, it's not just happening to me but others as well as they have a targeted ag/construction related audience. I felt it would be important to advise you of this. It is my hope that we may help some others who may be vulnerable from buying not only "snake oil", but giving out ones account info for a product that doesn't exist.

 

Thanks,

Miami County, KS farmer

(Name, address and phone withheld by TRACE for privacy)

 

TRACE has heard of one other occurrence of this type, attempting to sell the same product to a farmer in western Johnson County, KS.  NEVER give out your bank account number or credit card numbers over the telephone, to ANYBODY you don't know personally, even then be careful.  If you get a call like this one, ask for a demonstration or references like this person did.  You will find out right away if they are legitimate.