Scam Awareness

Protect yourself from common horse marketplace scams

At Cavvy, your safety is our priority. Unfortunately, scammers may target online horse marketplaces. This guide will help you recognize and avoid common scams so you can buy and sell horses with confidence.

Also on this topic: Let's Not Get Scammed on our blog.

Common Scam Tactics

Be aware of these frequently used scam techniques:

Fake listings with stolen photos - Scammers copy photos from legitimate listings or social media to create convincing fake ads for horses that don't exist or aren't for sale.
Wire transfer or cryptocurrency requests - Legitimate sellers rarely require payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. These payment methods are nearly impossible to recover once sent.
"Too good to be true" pricing - If a well-trained, registered horse is listed at a fraction of market value, it's likely a scam designed to attract quick buyers.
Urgency tactics - Scammers create artificial pressure with claims like "I need to sell today" or "Another buyer is interested" to rush you into making hasty decisions.
Refusing video calls or in-person visits - A seller who won't let you see the horse in person or via live video may not actually have the horse they're advertising.

Red Flags to Watch For

Stay alert for these warning signs:

Prices significantly below market value - Research typical prices for the breed, age, and training level before making any purchase.
Requests for untraceable payment methods - Be wary if a seller insists on cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards. These methods offer no buyer protection and are favorites of scammers.
Vague or copied descriptions - Generic descriptions that could apply to any horse, or text that appears to be copied from other listings, may indicate fraud.
Reluctance to provide additional photos or videos - Honest sellers are typically happy to share more media of their horse upon request.
Inconsistent information - If details about the horse's age, location, or history change between conversations, something may be wrong.

Safe Transaction Tips

Follow these guidelines to protect yourself:

Always meet in person before purchasing - Never buy a horse sight unseen. Visit the horse at its current location and interact with it before committing to purchase.
Request a pre-purchase veterinary exam - A vet check from a veterinarian of your choice can reveal health issues and confirm the horse matches its description.
Use secure payment methods - Choose payment options that offer buyer protection. Avoid wire transfers, cryptocurrency, and gift cards.
Verify seller identity and references - Ask for references from previous buyers, check reviews, and verify the seller's contact information.
Get everything in writing - Document all agreements about the horse's condition, included equipment, and sale terms in a written contract.
Trust your instincts - If something feels off about a transaction, it probably is. Don't let pressure or a "great deal" override your better judgment.

Reporting Suspicious Listings

Help keep our community safe by reporting suspicious activity:

Report directly on the platform - Use the report feature on any listing that appears fraudulent or suspicious.
Include detailed information - When reporting, provide specific details about what seemed suspicious, including screenshots if possible.
Contact us - If you've been the victim of fraud or have additional information about a scammer, please reach out to [email protected] by email.

Remember: A legitimate seller will understand your caution and cooperate with reasonable requests to verify the horse and the transaction. Your safety is worth taking the extra time to verify before you buy.