(NAFB) – The internet can be a great place to do business and make connections that wouldn’t otherwise be possible in rural America.

However, the anonymity on the internet can also make it tough to know who you’re doing business with. Kaitlynn Glover is executive director of the Public Lands Council. Late in April, the PLC received multiple unconfirmed reports of hay scams directly targeting the agriculture community.

There are things farmers and ranchers can do to protect themselves while buying and selling hay.

She says vital to take a little extra time to protect yourself.

Glover says financial losses can and will pile up quickly if producers don’t protect themselves.