is this a scam??? Advice needed asap

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amanda1788

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Hi
I have someone coming sunday to see my horse to full loan him, but something doesnt seem right. They only text and email, and want to pick him up when they come to see him. They asked if I could show them how I load him if they take him on sunday, and when I asked for a reference for an instructor or vet they keep saying when they come own they will give it to me. They also seem to be saying everything I want them to hear, basically too good to be true. I am worried as they are getting a bit pushy and they know where I keep him in a field. I am anxious and really want to move him. Any advice?
 
He's your horse. Tell them if they don't give you the reference, they're not coming to see your horse. Visit where they're going to keep him, and do not let them pick him up the first time they see him. I wouldn't trust this at all.
Good Luck xxx
 
I believe in following gut instincts. Yours are telling you this is a scam, so move your horse and tell them to get lost.
 
I agree! I had this problem when I was selling my pony.

He is your horse, and they are coming to your home. Stand up to them. If they are this pushy with people, what will they be like with your horse?

I would explain that you are not happy with this arrangement and you will not allow them access to your yard until you have the information you require from them. It's not rude, it's being assertive. There is a difference.

You wouldn't let your horse walk all over you, why someone you have never met?!
 
If this is a loan and not a sale there is no way I would let them take him on first viewing. You need to go and see where they are going to keep him and not just take written refernces, anyone could have written those, you need time to be able to phone these people and verify them.
 
Donkeymad said:
I believe in following gut instincts. Yours are telling you this is a scam, so move your horse and tell them to get lost.
Click to expand...


I agree. Even if they are genuine then they seem very pushy and not listening to you-hardly a good start for a loaning relationship. Tell them the horse has laminitis and might have to be put down or has been loaned, sorry to waste their time but it was a friend and is the perfect home you couldnt turn down.

Do not let them see the horse!
 
Get out while you can!! Tell them they can't just pick him up, that you need to get a reference, speak to them, and know where they're going to keep him. If they still won't oblige, tell them to get lost and move. Good luck, keep us posted xx
 
Ummm - read this post to OH and hadn't got to the end of the first sentence before he'd said 'NO!' about twelve times....

His suggestion was to text them saying sorry, but I've sold him to a VERY large policeman....

Trust your instincts. This has SCAM written all over it.
 
Be very wary of anyone like this. I am guessing also they will ask for his passport and if he has been mircochipped etc. Get out now and dont even let them on the yard.
 
Think of how you would take a horse on loan...surely you would go and meet the owner and ride the horse at least a couple of times before going any further. This is a complete scam...

I wouldnt let my horse be looked and taken on the same day by some strangers...I would want to meet them a couple of times, ride the horse a couple of times, see references, see where my horse was going and would be very very vigilant (well I am married to a copper!!!).

Please please dont let these people come to see your horse...do what you have to do to get out of it and move your horse for a while to put your mind at rest!

Fingers crossed for you.
 
No, no, no,no, NO!!!!!

It screams 'uh oh' at me. I wouldn't be happy either.

Don't go with it. Gut instinct, if it tells you its not a good idea, is to be followed. You won't be too upset if they get another horse and you say 'oh well, I was wrong'. BUT you would be REALLY upset, if you let them have the horse and then ended up saying 'I wish I'd listened to my gut'

Let us know xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 
Going against the grain a bit here, but not necessarily.

Loads of people take a trailer with them when they go to view a horse to buy, and people dont think thats wierd, and it is realistically a much bigger committment than taking one on loan. It could just be that they think they have found the perfect horse for them, and are very keen to get in there before anyone else does.
I wouldn't let them just rock up and take the horse (good home checks etc. would be none negotiable assuming you are happy with the way they ride him) but I dont think the fact that they would like to do that necessarily indicates that there is something wrong with them.

Re references, I would say that you dont want to waste anyone's time, and would prefer to contact the referees yourself before they come to try the horse. A reference that they bring with them means absolutely nothing! Would also ask for details of where they are planning to keep the horse (if not at home) and check that the livery owner had been approached about the plan.

I think talking to people who want to loan your horse is probably like talking to people who want a job. If they have any sense at all they give you the answer you want to hear, and the trick is then just to work out which ones really mean it. I seriously doubt you can whittle those out via text/email, and a meeting in person is probably the best way. If you are very unsure, it might be worth insisting on speaking to them on the phone before they come out.
That said, if they really are making you feel so uncomfortable that you think you need to move the horse, the chances that you will ever feel comfortable letting them take him away are pretty slim, and its probably a waste of everyone's time to let them come and visit.
 
I have spoken to them tonight about a reference from their current vet, first they said they didn't know the practices name or number and will get it and text it to me. So after waiting I get a text saying to ring them and they will give it to me. When I finally speak to them they say the vet they will be using is his grandad and give me his mobile number. So think definately not good. Going to move him just in case, was thinking of moving anyway and then will let know they cant come see him once I have moved him. Thanks for advice everyone. Just makes you realise how careful you need to be.
 
Well it gets worse and worse doesn't it? I'm sure you've made the right decision, who on earth doesn't know the name of their vet? I would tell them that you've let someone else have him after you've moved him. Good luck!
 
It's all emails, texts & mobile numbers, all of which are virtually untracable. If you allowed your horse to go with them I feel you will never see your horse again. If they were genuine people wanting a loan horse they would volunteer far more information about themselves, at the moment they are telling you nothing.

Walk away from this, it will bring you nothing but problems & heartache.
 
omg no scam!!


if they were buying its completely different - i would go with a trailer.

but its loaning!!! so no way!!!

just tell them your horse is sold and GONE (As they know where your field is!)!
 
Gosh, no way at all! There are so many who loan out a horse and never see it again! There was the lady last year who loaned her 2 out and they were taken to the slaughter house!
Please dont allow them anywhere near your horse.
Are they local to you?
 
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