Alberta Man Linked To Multi-Million-Dollar Hay ‘Scam’
A Canadian man alleged to have orchestrated a multi-million-dollar hay fraud scheme in the U.S. has been charged with similar crimes in Canada.
Scott James Piggott will go on trial May 1, 2023, in Lethbridge, Alta., on two charges of theft over $5,000 and one count of fraud over $5,000. Piggot also faces similar charges in Drumheller and Taber, Alta.
Last month Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen warned Montana ranchers about hay scams. The state’s Office of Consumer Protection said in a statement it estimated a Canadian company has stolen up to $5 million from Montanans.
The company, New Way Ag, according to the statement, promised grain hay, barley straw, and wheat straw at low prices to quickly make sales, collected payments, and then never delivered any product to their victims. To aid in the investigation, Montanans who made payments to New Way Ag should contact the Montana Office of Consumer Protection at 406-444-4500. The Monana Attorney General’s office believes Piggot is linked to New Way Ag, though the details still remain unclear.
According to CBC News, the specialized prosecution unit involved in the Piggott case ordinarily handles cases involving alleged frauds and thefts greater than $500,000.
Kyler Nerison, communications director for the Montana Department of Justice, told CBC News that New Way Ag was brought to their attention through tips from across the state. One Montana rancher lost $100,000, Nerison said, and since the department put out the warning they've received numerous calls from other people who claim to have had the same experience.
"They took the money and ran, essentially. It's bad news. It's distressing to see people take advantage of others in that way," Nerison said.
