AUGUSTA – Farmers should be on the lookout for out-of-state offers to buy hay, the Maine Attorney General’s Office has warned.

The Department of Agriculture has received complaints about the scam from farmers who have received inquiries from out-of-state callers about purchasing hay. The scammer sends the farmer a check for an amount greater than the cost of the hay purchased, according to a press release issued Friday.

The check is either fraudulent or drawn on an account that has no money in it.

Because of the overpayment, the farmer is asked to wire the difference back to the scammer. When the check fails to clear, the farmer is out the money, the Attorney General’s Office warned.

People asked to wire money as the result of an overpayment should ask their bank to notify them when the check has cleared, Attorney General G. Steven Rowe advised consumers.

After they have received notification from the bank, they can determine whether it is a legitimate transaction.

“Maine farmers work too hard to see their money stolen by thieves who hide behind veils of anonymity provided by out-of-state phone calls and wire transfers,” said Seth Bradstreet, commissioner of agriculture. “If a farmer believes they are contacted by these scam artists they should not hesitate to contact the attorney general’s Consumer Protections Division.”

Consumers who suspect they have been scammed should call 800-436-2131.