A common tactic used by horse transport scammers is to demand an upfront deposit—then disappear. These scammers prefer payment methods that make it nearly impossible for you to recover your money. Here’s how the scam works, why it’s so effective, and what you can do to protect yourself.
The Setup
A scammer posing as a hauler responds to your post or advertises an available trip. They offer a great price and an urgent schedule—often saying they’re “leaving tomorrow.” Once you show interest, they ask for a deposit to secure your spot. They insist on immediate payment and recommend cash apps like:
- Zelle
- Cash App
- Venmo (Friends & Family option)
- Apple Pay
- Gift cards or wire transfers
Once paid, the hauler stops responding or blocks you. These payment methods have no buyer protection or refund process.
Why These Payments Are Risky
These apps are designed for instant transfers between trusted parties—friends, family, or known businesses. Once the money is sent:
- There is no way to reverse the transaction
- The platform provides no customer support for scams
- You often cannot trace the recipient
This makes them ideal for scammers.
What a Legitimate Hauler Will Offer
Reputable horse haulers:
- Provide invoices or written agreements before requesting payment
- Use secure, trackable payment methods
- Accept credit cards, PayPal (Goods & Services), or other methods that allow disputes and chargebacks
- Clearly outline deposit, refund, and cancellation policies
What You Should Do
Before paying any deposit:
- Request a written quote or contract
- Ask for the hauler’s DOT and MC numbers and verify them
- Use only protected payment methods
- Credit card via secure portal
- PayPal Goods & Services (not Friends & Family)
- Avoid rushed timelines—scammers use urgency to bypass scrutiny
- Get full contact details, including business name, phone number, and insurance information
If the hauler resists any of the above, walk away.
Real-World Example
A horse owner found a hauler on Facebook offering a last-minute spot for $500, with a $250 deposit via Zelle. After sending payment, the hauler vanished—no pickup, no refund, and no way to contact. The owner lost both money and time and had to scramble to find a real hauler.
Conclusion
Never send a deposit to someone unless you’ve verified their credentials and are using a payment method that gives you protection. Horse transport is too important—and too expensive—to risk with unsecured payments.