Farmers targeted by fake DAFM texts requesting bank info
Farmers are being advised to be aware of scammers who are sending texts claiming to be the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
Agriland has been made aware that several farmers have received texts recently purporting to be from the department.
These messages include a request for the farmers to submit their banking details.
Texts
In a statement, a spokesperson for DAFM told Agriland, the department advises farmers "not to engage with or respond to unsolicited text messages requesting banking details, personal information, or payment".
"We do not request sensitive financial information through unsolicited text messages.
"Any recipient who receives a suspicious message claiming to be from the department should treat it as a scam and verify the communication directly through the department's official channels.
"They should not click on any links contained in suspicious messages.
"The department continues to monitor the situation with its SMS service provider and advises customers to remain vigilant regarding unsolicited communications," they added.
Emails
Separately, the Strokestown Agricultural and Industrial Show recently warned of scam emails and fake vendor application forms using the event’s name.
Show organisers said the email is being sent from [email protected] and directs recipients to a tally form inviting applications for vendor spaces at Strokestown Show.
They added that this email and application form are not associated with Strokestown Show.
Anyone who receives the email is urged to refrain from completing the form, issuing any payment, or replying to the email.
