Victims of equine fraud lost up to £70,000 between 2014 and 2017, it has been revealed.

Action Fraud are warning the equestrian community about a recent scam involving fake adverts of horses for sale.

Victims are being told to pay an up-front fee for the horse and shipment only to later find that it doesn’t exist. Between 2014 and 2017, victims lost £68,717 to this fraud; an average of £3,436 per victim.

Although the adverts claim the horses are located in the UK, victims are later told that they’re located elsewhere in Europe and that the horse’s shipment can be arranged via an animal transport company.

On agreeing to buy the horse, victims are then contacted by someone who claims to be an agent of the transport company, who asks them to pay the purchase price and shipping costs of the animal either by money transfer or a direct transfer of funds into a nominated bank account.

In some cases, victims are contacted about problems with the horse’s delivery, such as the need for vaccinations, special insurance or costs arising from veterinary fees and requests are made to cover these additional costs.

Action Fraud have issued advice on how to stay safe when purchasing a horse online.

  • Be wary of horses being offered for sale below their usual market value, particularly where the seller is looking for a quick sale due to a recent family bereavement, marital breakdown or other issues. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

  • Be wary of purchases where the advert suggests that the horse is in the UK but the seller later informs you that it is in another country.

  • Be cautious when buying a horse without seeing it, particularly when the only option of a vet check has been the sellers vet.

  • Never pay by bank transfer for goods which will be subject to delivery as the payment cannot be reversed.

  • Be cautious of transactions where the seller or shipping agent asks you to make payment by sending money via a money transfer company as the payment cannot be reversed.

  • Check the country code of the seller’s telephone number and make sure it relates to the country that they claim to be in.

  • Every Report Matters – If you have been a victim of equine fraud, report it to Action Fraud or by calling 0300 123 2040.