Scam Warning for Sellers

We at EquusTrack want the transaction between the seller and the buyer to be a pleasant one. Although we are not directly involved in the negotiations or final sale of any horse or livestock, we feel it's imperative that we let sellers know about various scams out there that can and do happen related to the horse market.

If the seller isn't careful, not only can he or she lose the animal but all the money purportedly paid to them and sometimes more. We ask that all sellers be skeptical and careful when finalizing a deal. In particular, we would like to pass on some information to help sellers more effectively recognize the key components that might be present in a scammer's pitch.

Overseas Buyers

Often scams originate from overseas. Be extremely cautious of buyers from overseas, in particular buyers from some African nations as well as those from Europe and Asia. Often the buyer will email you and claim he cannot physically see the horse, but he will instead send an agent to finalize the deal. The scammer's grammar is often poor or appears to be of foreign origins.

Too Good to be True (Excess Payment)

Another clue that you are dealing with a scammer is when the offer seems too good to be true. Usually this is in the form of a payment in excess of what you are asking. The scammer typically claims that his agent has in hand a cashier's check made out in a certain amount, (more than what you are asking for your horse) and if you would be so kind to accept said check and refund the difference the deal can proceed right away.

The Cashier's Check is Counterfeit

After the agent has picked up your horse, and possibly money as well from you, the agent and your horse disappear, and you are left holding a counterfeit bank check, which you or your bank won't discover for a number of days.

Be Vigilant

We suggest that all sellers be vigilant and skeptical when negotiating and transacting with a buyer that exhibits any of the traits enumerated above. Be wary of buyers from overseas (as well as from anywhere), and buyers who operate with foreign brokers. Be especially wary when the buyer appears anxious and is willing to buy your horse with little research into the horse itself. Do not ship your horse or allow the agent to leave with your horse if you are at all suspicious.

An effective way to thwart potentially counterfeit cashier's checks from overseas is to insist instead on a money transfer from Western Union or MoneyGram.