The Rural Payments Agency has been made aware by banks that fraudsters, pretending to be from their bank’s fraud department, may be targeting farmers who are receiving their Single Payment Scheme payments at this time of year.

Be Vigilant

We urge farming businesses to be aware of this and to remain vigilant. The banks have asked us to remind farmers there are a number of simple steps that can be taken to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of deception:

• Remember that your bank will never request your full online password information

• Banks would not request a token response used to log on to your online account

• Your bank will not ask you to make a payment over the phone by using your online account

• Be aware that if your bank does request you to call back, you need to ensure that you can hear a dial tone first or use a mobile to phone the bank directly (as the phone line may be held open by the fraudster)

Any farmer who is concerned should contact their bank.