Thinking about buying sheep or equipment? Tempted by claims of low-priced “Senior Sellouts” or offers that seem too good to be true online? Wondering what you can do to help protect yourself from online scammers? PROTECTION FROM SCAMMERS
Telltale signs of possible online scams include misspelled words, poor grammar or broken English and photos which may have appeared on a number of other sites online. Other signs are often no phone number, or city or state or even country listed, or little biographical information, or few followers or real photos. Watch out for exceptionally low online prices designed to bait you into giving away your personal information. Never give away your password, Social Security Number (SSN), or financial information like your bank account or credit card number to someone who contacts you unsolicited online or by phone. Trust your gut instincts. Scammers often try to pressure you into making a quick decision or payment. Never send money to an unsolicited caller or to someone who emails or direct messages you, and be cautious in clicking on unsolicited online links. If an online claim seems too good to be true, take your time and verify facts before proceeding. What else can you do to help reduce the risk of falling for an online or phone scam? Do business with people you know and can trust, like the members of the United Suffolk Sheep Association (USSA). Contact reputable breeders to learn more about the sheep they may have for sale at public auction or by private treaty. Visit the farm to view the flock if possible, or ask for photos or videos to see more about animals or equipment for sale. Whether you are looking for Suffolk sheep or sheep equipment, buy from reputable
breeders like those who are members of the United Suffolk Sheep Association (USSA) and supporters of the United Suffolk Sheep Foundation. Registered Suffolks are backed by pedigrees giving you more information about the animals you’re considering for purchase. Plus, USSA members can conveniently search the Digital Suffolk database of Suffolk pedigrees online on desktop computers or mobile devices, for added convenience. Digital Suffolk makes it quick and easy to learn more about the genetics of sheep you may be considering for purchase. All Suffolks sold through sales sponsored by the USSA must be registered up front before they sell, guaranteeing a smooth transfer of ownership to new buyers upon payment. The USSA also offers members opportunities to sell equipment online, and to list registered Suffolks for sale by private treaty.
In addition, the USSA hosts The National Suffolk Sale featuring registered Suffolk yearing rams and ewes as well as ram lambs and ewe lambs. The 2026 National Suffolk Sale takes place on Saturday, June 6, starting at 11:30 a.m., Eastern, at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, Indiana, about an hour North of Indianapolis, during The Suffolk Event. The sale will also be livestreamed on wlivestock.com. Looking to start or expand your Suffolk flock, or add a registered Suffolk ram to your commercial breeding program? See the list of USSA members presented by state in this publication and online at suffolks.org to start your search for quality registered Suffolks from America’s leading Suffolk breeders from coast to coast and near you.
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