Adams County, CO Scam Alert: Hay Fraud Targets Farmers

Adams County, CO – Farmers, ranchers and hay buyers in Adams County are being warned about a sophisticated online scam that can leave agricultural producers without payment even after their hay has been delivered.

According to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are using a “man-in-the-middle” fraud scheme involving legitimate farmers, stolen or compromised payment methods and fake online marketplace advertisements.

Authorities said the scheme begins when a scammer allegedly orders hay from a legitimate producer using a stolen credit card or compromised bank account.

At the same time, the scammer posts an advertisement for the same hay on an online marketplace, often offering it at a price below market value. An unsuspecting buyer then responds to the advertisement and sends payment to the scammer, sometimes through a mobile payment service such as Zelle.

The scammer then provides the buyer’s address to the farmer, who delivers the hay believing the original transaction is legitimate.

The problem may not become apparent until the farmer’s initial payment is reversed or flagged as fraudulent. By that point, authorities said, the scammer has disappeared with the buyer’s money, leaving the agricultural producer with the financial loss.

Deputies stressed that the person receiving the hay may also be an innocent party who purchased it in good faith.

The sheriff’s office recommends verifying who is actually making a payment before accepting bank transfers, checks or mobile payments. Producers also should be cautious when the person paying for an order is different from the person receiving it.

Officials suggested considering identity-verified payment systems or reputable escrow services for new customers.

Anyone who believes they were targeted should preserve advertisements, messages, payment records, invoices and other documentation and report the incident to law enforcement.