Lawman offers advice for those selling horses over the Internet

By LORI COPE | East Texas Edition

Dec. 9, 2004 - Trading horses online? Seller beware, noted John Bradshaw, a field inspector with Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA).

While the Internet is a popular source for commerce, and caution about monetary transactions is urged, there's been some recent instances which prompted the lawman to issue a warning.

Bradshaw is a special ranger who works the North Texas region. TSCRA inspectors annually recover thousands of dollars worth of stolen livestock and other ranch-related property.

In mid-November, an individual selling a horse through one of many Internet sites was close to coming out on the short end of the deal.

Bradshaw explained that an agreement was made between the $18,000 horse seller, and an overseas buyer. When the seller received a $30,000 check for the horse, and what he figured was extra for shipping fees, he called the bank before relinquishing the animal. While the bank verified the check came from their location, it wasn't until the check was sent to the bank in Tennessee that it was determined the check was on a fradulent account.

Needless to say, the horse didn't leave Texas; and Bradshaw is investigating the matter.

A horse seller in the Rolling Plains wasn't so lucky. In the same type situation, an overseas buyer sent the horse seller a check for the animal, and the seller paid the shipping charges out of his own pocket, Bradshaw related. "So they lost the horse and the shipping fee," he said, because the check wasn't verified before the horse left the property.

Bradshaw also said he feels many times the buyers are not really overseas, but indicate that so the horse cannot easily be traced.

In many of these instances, the buyer will send someone to take the horse from the seller's property to the alleged transportation site.

"If at any time a person feels funny about the transaction, they can call me and we'll talk about it," he offered (903-785-1787). If the fradulent deal gets carried through, then Bradshaw or other law enforcement can be present when the transporter comes for the horse.

"And especially, they should verify the check, even if it's a cashier's check or money order," before letting the animal, whether it's a horse or cattle, leave the property.