Fake cattle and equipment ads target ranch buyers

What happened

Texas Farm Bureau describes scams that use fake businesses and computer-made cattle pictures to collect money from buyers.

The main points

• The Federal Trade Commission has received reports of equipment sellers taking payment for machines that never arrive.
• Texas agriculture officials warn that realistic cattle pictures can advertise animals the seller does not own.
• The article recommends checking the seller independently and requesting more pictures or a live video before paying.
• It also flags demands for gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or payment apps as reasons to be cautious.

Why it matters to your ranch

A convincing photo or invoice does not establish that livestock or equipment exists or that the seller owns it.