Paying a deposit is often part of booking horse transport—but how you pay matters. Scammers target buyers who send money using unprotected payment methods. If you can’t dispute or reverse the transaction, you’re left with no recourse. Here’s how to pay safely and avoid being scammed.
The Risk of Unsecured Payments
Scammers often insist on:
- Zelle
- Cash App
- Venmo (Friends & Family)
- Apple Pay
- Gift cards
- Wire transfers
These payment methods offer no buyer protection. Once you send the money, it’s gone—no way to recover it if the hauler disappears.
What Secure Payment Looks Like
Safer payment options include:
- Credit Cards – Allow chargebacks if services aren’t delivered
- PayPal (Goods & Services) – Offers buyer protection
- Bank cards via secure invoicing platforms – Many professional haulers use QuickBooks, Square, or Stripe
These methods let you dispute fraudulent charges and offer a clear payment trail.
Never Pay This Way
Avoid any hauler who asks for:
- Payment through apps without buyer protection
- Untraceable methods like gift cards
- Full payment upfront without documentation
- Payment to an account under a different name than the hauler or business
These are all red flags.
What to Ask Before You Pay
- Do you have a formal invoice or payment portal?
- What payment methods do you accept?
- Is there a contract that outlines your refund or cancellation policy?
- Can I pay with a credit card?
- What business name will appear on my payment record?
If the hauler resists or refuses to provide these answers, don’t send any money.
Additional Tips
- Don’t rush. Scammers rely on urgency to bypass scrutiny.
- Get everything in writing. Include transport dates, refund terms, and who’s responsible for what.
- Keep a paper trail. Save receipts, messages, and contracts.
Legit haulers expect to be vetted. They’ll offer contracts, receipts, and secure payment links.
Conclusion
Sending money is often the moment when scams succeed. Protect yourself by using secure, traceable payment methods—and never pay until you’ve verified the hauler’s identity, credentials, and contract. When in doubt, walk away.