The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that it learned March 16 that fraudulent letters have been sent by fax to individuals and businesses in several states, including Kansas. The letters purportedly come from a USDA procurement officer and seek personal information. Even though these letters bear the USDA logo and are signed by an individual identified as ?Frank Rutenberg, Senior Procurement Officer,? they are false and recipients should not respond nor provide any requested information.
USDA is officially investigating this matter through the office of the inspector general. If you suspect you have received such a letter, you are asked to submit the letter to your local county FSA office or contact USDA at procurement.policy@dm.usda.gov or call 202-720-9448.
