An Garda Síochána is urging agri-businesses to be extra vigilant following a series of fraudulent transactions in the Cavan area over the past week, during which two people were arrested in a silage wrap ‘sting’ operation.
The fraud involved an individual who contacted businesses to place an order of up to 80 rolls of silage wrap, which would equate to two pallets. The value of the products equated to between €6,000 and €7,000.
Payment is made over the phone with a credit card and a courier picked up the goods.
While the agri-business received payment, the seller was later contacted by the bank to say the card used for the payment was cloned, and they would take the money back, which left the seller down the cost of the goods.
Silage wrap ‘sting’ operation
According to gardaí, in Co. Cavan there have been four incidents, but there have been similar incidents in Co. Laois, Co. Roscommon, Co. Donegal.
Gardaí in Cavan have identified other thefts committed in other counties. In May similar thefts occurred using cloned credit cards, and as well as silage wrap, some of the goods purchases included farm machinery.
On June 23, 2021 a second attempt was made to buy 80 rolls of silage wrap from an agri-business in Co. Cavan.
On this occasion Gardaí were present when the goods were collected and two individuals were arrested.
They were taken to Cavan Garda Station and have been released without charge with a file going to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Advice from gardai
An Garda Síochána is appealing to all businesses, and in particular those in the agri-business sector, to remain vigilant to customers wishing to pay for substantial goods over the phone, particularly if they are not familiar with the person.
It is advisable for businesses to exercise due diligence in relation to taking card payments by phone, that the card and cardholder are one in the same.
Where a business has been the victim of such a crime, they are asked to report any transactions which have been found to be fraudulent.