The Georgia Department of Agriculture is warning farmers, vendors and small-business owners about a fraudulent event advertised on social media as being held at the Atlanta State Farmers Market.

The scam promoted what was called the “2026 GATE Atlanta Vendor & Artisan Market,” supposedly scheduled for August 21 through August 23 at the state farmers market in Forest Park. State agriculture officials say the event was not legitimate and was not affiliated with either the Georgia Department of Agriculture or the Atlanta State Farmers Market.

The professional-looking social media advertisement sought vendors selling food, arts and crafts, clothing and other merchandise. Those interested were directed to an email address where they were sent an application and then instructed to pay a vendor fee electronically.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper says the scam is another example of fraudsters attempting to take advantage of farmers and small businesses. Investigators believe those responsible could potentially be operating from outside the United States, making them more difficult to identify.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture issued a cease-and-desist notice to the Facebook account promoting the fraudulent event, and the department’s law enforcement division is working to determine who is responsible.

Officials are urging Georgians to be cautious when responding to online advertisements seeking vendors for festivals, farmers markets and similar events. People should avoid providing payment, personal information or business information until they have independently verified that an event and its organizers are legitimate.

The Department of Agriculture says vendors interested in leasing legitimate space at the Atlanta State Farmers Market should apply directly through the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s official website, rather than through unsolicited social media advertisements.