Missourians Should be wary of Over-the-Phone Chemical Scam

September 16, 2013

Missourians planning to purchase chemicals, such as herbicides and insecticides, should be aware of a new scam. The Department of Agriculture has received several reports from farmers, gardeners and homeowners across the state of an over-the-phone chemical sales scam.

This recent scam features a telephone solicitor offering what they claim to be a high-quality herbicide, comparable to name-brand products, below store prices. The Department suggests consumers ask any person selling agricultural chemicals for a copy of the product label. Properly registered and labeled products will be marked with the following information:

• The product’s EPA registration number
• A list of the product’s active ingredients with their percentages
• The number of feet or acres the product will cover
• Requirements to dilute before use
• The company’s name, address and telephone number

Consumers may call the Department’s Bureau of Pesticide Control at (573) 751-5504 to verify whether a product is registered for use in Missouri. The Department also has an online Pesticide Database where consumers may search for pesticides registered for use in Missouri. The online database allows consumers to search for products by company name, product name or EPA ID number. Consumers looking for a pesticide applicator can search the Department’s Pesticide Applicator Database to find a custom applicator in their area.

Each day the Department’s Bureau of Pesticide Control conducts marketplace inspections and investigations all across the state to ensure that pesticides throughout Missouri are properly labeled, sold accordingly and used correctly.

For more information on the Missouri Department of Agriculture, its pesticide control and other consumer protection programs, visit the Department online at mda.mo.gov.

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