Scams Targeting Farmers and Agri-Input Buyers
Farmers and agribusinesses face fake seed and fertiliser suppliers, fake bulk buyers, fake subsidy programmes and fake equipment sales. How these scams work and how to protect your harvest and income.
Farming runs on seasons and cash flow: inputs must be bought before planting, and harvests must be sold before they spoil. Scammers use both pressures. They sell fake or non-existent seed, fertiliser and equipment, pose as bulk buyers, and advertise fake subsidy and loan programmes. As more farmers buy and sell by phone, these scams have spread widely.
Common scams against farmers
| Scam | How it works |
|---|---|
| Fake input suppliers | Cheap seed, fertiliser or chemicals paid for upfront, delivered fake, diluted or not at all. |
| Fake bulk buyers | A buyer orders a large harvest, pays with a fake alert or promises payment after delivery, and disappears. See fake payment screenshots. |
| Fake subsidy and loan programmes | Registration fees for programmes that do not exist. See fake government programmes. |
| Fake equipment sales | Tractors, pumps and machinery advertised online with deposits for items that do not exist. |
| Fake livestock sales | Animals advertised with photos taken from elsewhere. |
| Fake export deals | Foreign buyers needing fees for certificates, inspections or shipping. See commodity deal scams. |
Prices far below the market are the first warning sign, whether you are buying inputs or equipment.
Illustrative example
- A large discount and "this week only".
- A deposit upfront to an unfamiliar seller.
- "Direct from the factory" with no verifiable dealer details.
Protecting your purchases
- Buy from registered agro-dealers or well-known cooperatives.
- Check product packaging, labels and registration numbers where your country has them.
- Ask extension officers or farmer groups which suppliers are trusted.
- Inspect equipment and livestock in person before paying.
Protecting your sales
- Confirm payment in your own account before goods leave the farm.
- Verify new buyers and start with smaller loads.
- Be wary of buyers who overpay, or ask you to pay transporters on their behalf.
- Sell through cooperatives or known aggregators where possible.
Programmes and subsidies
Register for genuine programmes through official ministry offices, extension officers or verified cooperative channels. Never pay registration fees to individuals, and never share mobile money PINs or codes.
Got an offer for inputs or a buyer you do not know? Paste the message into CyberWatch AI Scan for a free check.
For more, read our guide on how to avoid online scams.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check an agricultural input supplier?
Buy from registered agro-dealers, check registration with the relevant agriculture authority or dealer association where available, and be wary of prices far below the market.
Are government farm subsidy programmes sold through WhatsApp?
Genuine programmes are announced through official ministry channels and registered through official offices or extension officers. Fees paid to individuals on WhatsApp are a scam sign.
How do I protect myself when selling a harvest to a new buyer?
Confirm payment has arrived in your own account before goods leave, verify the buyer's business, and be cautious of payment promised after delivery.
Sources
- Government Grant Scams, US Federal Trade Commission
- How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Fake Check Scams, US Federal Trade Commission
- Buying From an Online Marketplace, US Federal Trade Commission
