Dumelow International, an established and long running specialist in the sale, distribution and exporting of reconditioned Massey Ferguson tractors and agricultural implements, recently joined in a topical debate that has been resurrected in the last few weeks relating to bank fraud scams affecting a growing number of UK Farmers.

These scams have targeted farmers from arable, dairy and livestock farming communities, causing significant financial disruption for many hardworking and already financially stricken farmers. In a domino effect, the crippling consequences then go on to affect workhands and even small communities who surround a number of farms caught out by scam artists and fraudulent thieves.

Proof of the continued presence of bank fraud scams affecting a proportionate number of UK farmers was recently brought to the public’s attention by the National Farmers Union.

In Scotland, particularly the Borders and Angus, a number of farmers, who incidentally are also members in the National Farmers Union of Scotland (NFUS), were contacted by these scam artists, receiving fake calls in an attempt to con them and their farm accounts out of thousands of pounds. Calls to these farmers occurred this month (5^th and 6^th April) but were unsuccessful in attempts to fraudulently strip large amounts from their accounts.

Although proving unsuccessful in these latest bank fraud attempts, a small collective of
Scottish farmers over the last fortnight have not been as lucky, being defrauded and dangerously left out of pocket by several thousand pounds by the fraudulent thieves who are becoming increasingly more professional week by week. A recent statement by NFU Scotland’s Finance Director, Colin Gordon, said:

“We are placing members on high alert as the number of farm businesses’ being targeted by fraudsters continues to grow. This is such a busy time of year for farming with lambing, calving and sowing, that farmers could be easily caught out by alarming calls from people claiming to represent their bank’s fraud department.”

“These criminals are organised, calculating and convincing – please do not fall for this. Some Scottish farmers now know from bitter experience that if you unwittingly provide your account information to the fraudsters, they will use it to strip your account.”

Mentioned too, was that the banks have asked to remind farmers the simple steps that can be followed by other businesses and individuals to best avoid becoming victims too.

A spokesperson for Dumelow said: “As the ingenuity and professionalism of these fraudsters becomes more apparent, each attack has a direct and indirect effect on our business. If farmers suffer these losses, we suffer the same consequences in lost revenue.”

Dumelow International is a global leader in reconditioned tractors. The company was established in 1996 and is run by John Dumelow. For more information visit their website at www.dumelow.co.uk.

For quotes contact John at Dumelow International on 0118 9487000 or john@dumelow.co.uk.