• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

To Honor and Protect the Ranching Way of Life

  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Why Join
    • Leadership
    • Staff
    • Partners
    • FAQs
    • Newsroom
    • Sponsorships
    • Employment
  • What We Do
    • Theft and Law
    • Issues and Policy
    • Education
    • Students and Young Professionals
    • The Cattleman Magazine
    • Disaster Relief Fund
    • Cattle Raisers Insurance
    • Cattle Raisers Trading Co
  • Events
    • Cattle Raisers Convention
    • Policy Conference
    • Summer Meeting
    • Ranch Gatherings
    • Ranching 101
  • Join
  • Member Center
  • TSCRA Store
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Scams targeting ranchers on the rise warn special rangers

Special Ranger Scott Williamson

FORT WORTH, Texas — Special rangers of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) are warning cattle producers to take extra precautions amid a surge in scams targeting ranchers.
Scott Williamson, the director of law enforcement for TSCRA, urged all ranchers to be on high alert, but especially those who do business via websites and social media. He says con artists prefer the anonymity of electronic or even phone communications and that it is more difficult for law enforcement to track down and prosecute the perpetrators.
One popular scheme over recent years is for a prospective buyer to inquire about cattle, hay or equipment that is for sale by the rancher. The buyer will send a check or cashier’s check that is more than the agreed price. The buyer will ask you to cash the check and give the extra money to someone else to pay for transportation and delivery. The check is often counterfeit, designed to look legitimate for just long enough that it can be cashed and the money wired. Sometimes the scammer will even attempt to obtain the items before the check has finally cleared and found to be counterfeit. In either case, the victim is liable for the funds while the crook enjoys the ill-gotten proceeds.
Another common scam targets ranchers who are buying cattle, hay or equipment. The con artist will falsely advertise the items using misleading descriptions and fake photos or video, only to deliver inferior products. According to Williamson, the perpetrators of these schemes are often very good at crafting the transaction into a civil action. That means law enforcement cannot file criminal charges, and a lawsuit would be your only recourse. Also, if you deliver the payment before receiving the property, you may not receive the delivery at all, he warns.
Tips for avoiding fraud:

  • Verify the person you are attempting to do business with a trusted source.
  • When selling items consider payment options such as an escrow service or online payment system.
  • Never accept a check or cashiers check for more than the value of the sale.
  • Confirm checks are valid by contacting your bank or the issuing bank.
  • When buying items never issue payment until the items are received unless you have complete trust in the seller.
  • Always inspect and document livestock or items before taking delivery, and remember, you have the right to refuse delivery.
  • If you believe that you are a victim of a bait and switch purchase, act quickly. The more time that lapses, the more it appears that you were initially agreeable to the transaction and the ability to remedy the problem erodes.

“There are a lot of bad people out there who will try to take advantage of your trust and goodwill,” said Williamson. “Trust your instincts and remember the old saying — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
###

Written by:
Jaclyn Roberts
Published on:
September 24, 2019

Categories: News Releases, Theft & Law

Recent Posts

TSCRA commends Secretary Rollins and USDA on Texas sterile fly facility

June 18, 2025

FORT WORTH, Texas (June 18, 2025)— U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced …

Continue Reading about TSCRA commends Secretary Rollins and USDA on Texas sterile fly facility

Crime watch: Brangus bull missing in Fayette County

June 13, 2025

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Kenny Murchison, District 20 in …

Continue Reading about Crime watch: Brangus bull missing in Fayette County

Crime watch: Cattle missing in Freestone County

June 13, 2025

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Chace Fryar, District 21 in East …

Continue Reading about Crime watch: Cattle missing in Freestone County

Footer

Who We Are

Why Join
Leadership
Staff
Partners
FAQs
Newsroom
Sponsorships
Employment

What We Do

Theft and Law
Issues and Policy
Education
Students and Young Professionals
The Cattleman Magazine
Cattle Raisers Insurance
Cattle Raisers Trading Co.
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Information

Cattle Raisers Blog
News Releases
Bereavements
Events
Sponsorships & Advertisement
Tip Hotline
Get Involved
Links

Membership

Membership Center
Membership Center Instructions
Join
Renew
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

PO BOX 101988
FORT WORTH, TX 76185

1-800-242-7820

© 2023 Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; All Rights Reserved.

COPYRIGHT | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE