A series of worldwide financial scams involving buying items, including horses, dogs & other items is reported to be on the increase

It would appear that the scam involves the bogus purchaser sending a cheque for the purchase price plus the freight charges to the seller, who is then asked to forward the freight money on to a bogus freight company. However, the seller is asked to forward this money fairly soon after receipt of the cheque & the cheque is then stopped prior to clearance

Check very carefully the authenticity of any e-mail from abroad (particularly African countries) purporting interest in purchasing a horse or pony - Check their credentials very carefully and do not ship a horse prior to ensuring all monies are paid in full - Ensure any cheques / money orders are not counterfeit & have cleared fully - Consult your bank if in doubt about cheque clearance

IF YOU WISH TO AVOID THIS, DO NOT INCLUDE AN E-MAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR ADVERT