Overpayment and bad-check scams (for sellers)

How it works

A buyer you have never met agrees to your price quickly, then sends a check or transfer for more than the horse costs. They ask you to refund the difference, or to forward the extra to their shipper. The original payment later bounces or is reversed, and the money you sent back is gone. The buyer never intended to buy the horse.

Red flags

• A buyer agrees to full price without negotiating or asking normal questions.
• They pay more than you asked and want the balance sent back or forwarded to a third party.
• They insist on arranging and paying a shipper through you.
• They rush the sale and discourage a vet check or an in-person meeting.

How to protect yourself

• Never refund or forward any money until a payment has fully cleared, which can take longer than a check appearing to deposit.
• Do not accept a payment for more than the sale price. Ask them to send the exact amount.
• Book your own transporter, or let the buyer arrange and pay theirs directly. Do not route shipping money through your account.
• Prefer payment methods and timing that let you confirm funds are real before the horse or any refund leaves your hands.