A MANSFIELD Shire grazier is warning others to be cautious after losing more than $5000 to a hay scam on Facebook Marketplace — one of several targeting livestock owners during the current feed shortage.
With 200 Herefords to feed and local suppliers unable to meet demand, Deanne Aldridge turned to the internet in search of big round bales.
She found a seller on Facebook Marketplace who seemed genuine and asked all the right questions.
After agreeing to pay $5200 up front for 42 bales, she was later asked for a second “refundable” deposit.
When she refused, the seller became aggressive and blocked her.
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The hay never arrived.
The warning comes as Mansfield Shire continues to struggle with dry conditions and a severe fodder shortage.
Just last week, the RSPCA declared a horse welfare crisis in Victoria, with hundreds of animals taken into care due to a lack of feed.
Ms Aldridge has since posted a warning to a local community noticeboard, urging others to be wary of scams and to take care when dealing with unfamiliar sellers online.
“There didn’t seem to be anything untoward going on,” she said.
“I’ve been buying fodder for stock for 35 years and in that time I’ve worked with a lot of suppliers.
“It’s not uncommon to have to pay money for a purchase upfront, especially through a new supplier.
“Before we paid, we asked if that was everything because we didn’t want to be hit by any hidden costs and they assured us that was it.
“Then on Sunday night the seller messaged to tell us they had forgotten their transport partner would need to take a refundable deposit to get the delivery to us.
“They wanted $3299, which they said they would get back to us upon delivery.
“It all sounded very strange, they wanted the money immediately through Osko pay.
“35 years we have been buying feed and never have we heard anything so ludicrous.
“But we are desperate, we have cows to feed and we have already sent them $5250.
“We deliberated sending them this hidden cost because we just need the hay.”
When Deanne refused to pay the second amount, the seller’s tone changed, they became pushy and accusatory.
Deanne went to the police who directed her to scam watch and the supposed seller has now blocked her so she has no line of communication to try and get a refund on the lost money.
“This is our livelihood,” she said.
“These people should be ashamed of themselves.
“We are in a drought and we are desperate to feed our animals and they are taking advantage.
“I just hope people see this and aren’t fooled by these scammers."
Steve Carden, Senior Sergeant and Station Commander at Mansfield Police Station said that opportunistic criminals will take any opportunity for advantage.
“Our advice is the same for all such scams,” he said.
“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
“Do not attend remote locations to meet unknown people for transactions.
“Verify whom you are dealing with.
“Do not provide any bank details.
“Do not tap any links on emails/SMS from unknown sources.
“If your “Spidey senses” are tingling, they are tingling for a reason.”
