BBB warns of fake horse-selling scam using Amarillo business names
AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — The Better Business Bureau of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle is warning consumers about a horse-selling scam that uses polished websites and several business names, including Tirex Horse Ranch, TireX Horse Ranch, Dusty Trail Horse Ranch, JR Horse Ranch, and Horse Sale Hub.
The BBB began investigating in April after receiving consumer inquiries, victim complaints, and reports through its Scam Tracker. Since then, it has received more than 520 inquiries.
The businesses are not legitimate, according to the BBB, and have falsely claimed to operate in Amarillo. The agency stated that the addresses listed on the websites are private property and are not associated with the businesses. The names also resemble those of real companies, which the BBB says are being impersonated.
Consumers have reported losing over $150,000, though the actual total may be higher, the BBB said. Reported victims include individuals from Texas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming.
A South Carolina victim sent $9,050 before realizing the sale was fake. A Georgia victim sent $40,000 to buy three horses, only to discover the scammers were using a real company’s name. That company was unaware of the transaction.
The BBB also reported that two Texas consumers and a Texas transport business fell victim, with losses in Texas exceeding $150,000.
The BBB has worked to remove the scam websites, but new ones can appear quickly. It advises consumers who are communicating with one of the businesses or considering a purchase to stop contact, avoid sending money, and report information to the BBB Scam Tracker.
For safer horse purchases, the BBB recommends having a pre-purchase examination performed by a licensed veterinarian chosen by the buyer, verifying health and vaccination records directly with the veterinarian, checking the ranch or breeder through professional associations, and avoiding buying a horse without seeing it whenever possible.
Consumers can also report suspected online fraud to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.