Police investigate 75 incidents of cross-border machine theft

Farmers and businesses told to be aware of cross-border payment scam for machinery

GARDAÍ and the PSNI are currently working together on 75 incidents of cross-border fraud involving a sophisticated scam.

Scammers have been using online banking to rob people of plant and machinery like farm equipment, mini diggers and quads.

So far, the Cross Border Joint Agency Task Force (JATF) have arrested two people and recovered items including are a forklift, a quad bike and a dumper truck.

The fraud cases have occurred in both jurisdictions.

An Garda Síochána is appealing to all businesses and in particular those in the agri-business sector to remain vigilant to customers wishing to pay for substantial goods over the phone, particularly if they are not familiar with the person.

The frauds occur whereby the victim company agrees to sell items such as farm machinery, mini diggers, quad bikes etc to a ‘buyer’, who usually claims to represent a business in the same sector.

Supposed proof of payment is then made to the seller by way of a screenshot of a subsequently cancelled – or entirely faked – card payment or bank transfer. With card payments, it is mostly cloned cards that are used.

A delivery driver is then engaged by the ‘buyer’ to collect the goods. Often, the driver will be contacted en route and asked to deliver to a different address than the one originally provided.

By the time the victim business realises that no money has arrived into their account, the ‘buyer’ has received the goods and is now uncontactable, leaving the seller out of pocket.

Members of the JATF on Rural Crime met in Dungannon, Co Tyrone last week.

Co-chair of the meeting, Detective Superintendent John O’Flaherty, said An Garda Síochána has identified the movement of stolen goods from all areas in the Republic of Ireland to the border with Northern Ireland.

"The fraudulent theft of goods is not confined to border areas, and I urge business owners to be vigilant and make all the appropriate checks and balances,” Detective Superintendent O’Flaherty said.

Gardaí and the PSNI appeal to all businesses and in particular those in the agri-business sector to remain vigilant to customers wishing to pay for substantial goods over the phone, particularly if they are not familiar with the person.

You are also reminded to contact your local Garda station, or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.