05/30/2026
I've seen several postings lately that were stolen photos. This is not my screenshot but was on a warning post. While the tips below are not a guarantee, they can certainly help a new person avoid getting scammed!
What else would you add? Have you ever been scammed?
I know when I first started I was sold French Lops (my dad wanted them and I was helping) that were not what they were supposed to be. We didn't know until he had sold his first litter and I had taken some to a show.
How to avoid being scammed:
1. Have a discussion with potential, not just a few words. Broken English from some one claiming to be in PA is a giveaway, poor sentence structure (like in the screenshot), incorrect information given. Don't expect to talk for hours but you should be able to have a decent conversation about what you're looking for, what they have, the good and bad points about said rabbit, their policies, their guarantees, etc.
2. History. The place/person/rabbitry/farm you are talking to should have an online history. Posts, group postings, advertisements, people that have previous business or experience with, photos from previous litters that have similar backgrounds or look.
3. They have a set of terms. Any place that's been around for a wile will have a TOS. It may be as simple as all is as seen with zero guarantees...but its some thing you can view or see on their page, their website etc.
4. They will give you a short window to think on or flat tell you that its fine to think but they only do first come first serve and you'll just have to check back. This shouldn't be confused with being pressured. Many have been ghosted after holding items or animals for weeks/months before so they do not hold anything without payment.
5. Be cautious of deposits/payments. Most places require a deposit or full payment to hold for extended periods (more than two or three days), but if you're not comfortable don't be pressured into it. You should always be able to ask for goods and services, just pay the acceptance fee extra to do so. Typically this is 3-4% and depends on the individual as its based on their account status usually (PayPal).
6. There is not a "delivery fee". Normal people just say its x more to meet or gas is going to cost x extra to go there. If they start talking delivery or service, move on. This should not be confused with transportation companies that are USDA certified. You can verify those though. These companies have routes posted and you can see the public places they expect to stop at ahead of time. There are also hundreds of people in their groups and that have used their services if they've been around any time at all.
7. It is okay to pass if some thing seems off. Don't be rude, just say thanks but I'll have to pass or some thing similar. Breeders, farms, rabbitries, etc are all people with lives outside of the conversations they have on FB. Some times we just don't have an hour to go to do more videos or photos, we have to say that this is what we have and if you can't decide from that then we are not the one to do business with. Everyone has different policies and setups...doesn't mean they are wrong, but you have to protect yourself.
8. Study general health check AND breed. Snot isn't okay. Rabbits barely 6 weeks old are not okay. Rabbits with caked feet of dirt is not okay. If you want a Holland Lop, know the basic standard for that breed so you don't get sold a Mini Fluffer Mutter with a woolly mane the size of a regular lion. OR end up with a mix that is supposed to be a Mini Rex. Know the faults that can come with the breed...like Holland Lops with tight crowns can be straight eared. Some times people get told the wrong thing, but being educated on what you want to get is your responsibility.
