Scams warning as farmers increasingly targeted

Carla Lockhart MP • March 14, 2023

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has urged the local farming community to be vigilant, following instances of farmers being targeted by scammers on online marketplaces. The DUP representative issued the warning after being made aware of a farmer being swindled out of money by someone purporting to sell machinery.

Carla Lockhart said:

 

“I cannot comment on the specific details, but this example is probably one of many across Northern Ireland where someone has paid money for a machine on a farming auction/marketplace site, and then no such product exists when it comes to delivery of the machine.

 

It can be extremely easy to be conned by these gangsters. The advert looks legitimate, the seller interacts as normal. However often the deal is too good to be true. I would encourage everyone to be very wary around sending payment before receipt of the item.

 

Anyone finding themselves in this situation should contact the PSNI. The Police are greatly experienced in this area and, whilst it can cause embarrassment to be conned, it is vital the fraudsters don’t get away with this breach of trust.”

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP March 25, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has criticised the Education Authority for its lack of transparency, following confirmation that halal meat is being unknowingly served in Northern Ireland schools.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 25, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has called on the Government to urgently provide clear guidance on the protection of single-sex spaces in workplaces, following a cross-party meeting at Westminster with nurses involved in high-profile legal cases.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has pledged her support for improved palliative and end of life care services following her attendance at Marie Curie ’s Great Daffodil Appeal event in Parliament.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has welcomed a strong turnout at the launch of her Church Funding Booklet at Oxford Island, with more than 140 people in attendance from churches and faith-based organisations across the constituency and beyond.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has welcomed the launch of a new initiative aimed at supporting women and mothers in Lurgan.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has praised the generosity of the local community and the dedication of volunteers after taking part in a Northern Ireland-wide Big Bucket Collection in Banbridge in support of Evora Hospice .
By Carla Lockhart MP March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has spent a busy Saturday attending a wide range of community, church and charity events across the constituency.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to Mrs Esther Halliday from Waringstown following an extraordinary 55 years of service within the Health Trust, including more than four decades dedicated to maternity care. 
By Carla Lockhart MP March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has reaffirmed her support, calling for stronger protections for local farmers, after attending a Westminster reception hosted jointly by the NFU, RSPCA and WWF.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 24, 2026
Carla Lockhart MP has called for urgent action to expand access to the Safe Operation of Tractors training for young people, warning that current limitations risk undermining vital farm safety efforts.