Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued a warning regarding a new artificial intelligence (AI) scam targeting cattle buyers on social media after a Texas producer lost about $70,000 paying for non-existent livestock.
As more cattle sales move online, scammers are turning to AI to create realistic images and lure buyers into fraudulent livestock deals.
“One scam, they got away with, you know, about $70,000 from one of our producers,” Miller said. “Be very cautious. The quick dollar gets, it kind of clouds people’s vision sometimes. And we see that easy money, and it’s very easy for us to get scammed.”
Scammers use advanced AI tools to create realistic photos and videos of cattle and then post these fake listings on social media platforms to trick ranchers into sending money for animals that do not exist, or they impersonate legitimate farming operations.
Warning signs of AI cattle include distorted anatomy, warped backgrounds, missing details such as ear tags, brands or distinct markings. Shady sellers: Be suspicious if the seller refuses to do a live video call or provide fresh, unedited footage.
Buyers are urged to slow down and not rush into any deal and have a have a trusted local agent or acquaintance view the cattle physically before sending payment.