Unless you are on a state's no-call list, telemarketing phone calls are inevitable. However, a new one in Missouri is targeting farmers.

According to a recent release by the University of Missouri Extension, farmers are receiving telephone calls from a company attempting to sell herbicides. Extension professionals are cautioning farmers to be on the alert as these calls could be a part of a scam.

"There are calls going around from a fake company called Supply House out of Illinois selling a herbicide called Trilete," according to Jill Scheidt, agronomy specialist with MU Extension.

Jill Scheidt, agronomy specialist with MU Extension, warns to watch out for phone calls from a fake company, Supply House of Illinois, who claim their product, Trilete, will kill anything in soybeans and has an excellent rating for water hemp control.

Scheidt says the callers claim their product, Trilete, will kill anything in soybeans and has an excellent rating for control of water hemp.

In searching for this product and company, Scheidt could not find any proof of their existence or information on the product. "We believe this is a scam coming from a fake company selling a fake product," Scheidt adds.

She also warns advises farmers to use caution before buying any product over the phone, especially when a company you have never heard of contacts you to sell their product. Take the time to investigate the company and product before buying.

Also, beware of giving private information over the telephone, such as social security numbers, credit card numbers or bank routing numbers.

If you have any additional questions, call Scheidt at the MU Extension Center in Barton County, (417) 682-3579.

Source: MU Extension