The internet has revolutionised the way we engage with our hobbies, including pigeon racing. Unfortunately, this has led to the emergence of scams that can severely impact our budget and, more importantly, our passion. From offers that are too good to be true to deliveries of sick pigeons or false pedigrees, there are numerous traps we need to avoid. In this article, I will share my 20 years of experience in the field to help you recognise the signs of a scam and steer clear of them.

Types of Scams in Online Pigeon Sales

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced breeder, it is important to be aware of the types of scams that exist. Here are some of the most common:

Types of Scams

  • Exaggerated offers and fictitious collections
  • Unauthorised products or those without pedigrees
  • Pigeons delivered sick or in poor condition
  • Fake websites that don’t deliver anything
  • Sellers with no feedback or negative reviews

Signs of a Scam

Now that you have some knowledge about the types of scams, it’s time to discuss the signs that should raise your alarm:

1. Very low prices: If you find a champion pedigree pigeon at an unusually low price, I bet it’s a trap. Quality pigeons, especially those with proven performance, are not cheap.

2. Vague information: Some listings do not provide details about the pigeon, pedigree, or selling conditions. If you are asked to pay without being given enough information, be cautious.

3. Pressure on the buyer: Scammers want to close the sale quickly. If you feel pressured to make a quick decision, it’s time to think twice.

4. Everything online: Avoid buying from sites that do not provide clear contact information or physical addresses. Ask to discuss over the phone or even to see the pigeons before purchasing.

5. Lack of health certificates: Ensure that the pigeons come with a health certificate. This is an important indication that the bird has been examined by a vet and has no health issues. Without this document, the risks significantly increase.

Practical tip: Before making a purchase, check the seller's feedback, read reviews, and if possible, ask for recommendations from other breeders. You can find useful insights in pigeon racing news. They also enjoy sharing their experiences on dedicated forums and groups, where you can learn from the mistakes of others.

Examples from Romanian and European Practice

A recent example was the case of a breeder from Romania who was scammed by a seller on an auction site. He paid 500 euros for a pigeon that was supposed to have a champion pedigree, but when he received the bird, it was visibly sick and without any documentation. Unfortunately, scandals like this are common.

Another example comes from Germany, where a group of scammers was caught selling pigeons with forged pedigrees. The police discovered that many of the pigeons on the site were actually imports from other countries, with no connection to the presented pedigrees. This has caused significant...