Greg's Corner

Backyard Chicken Scam Exploits Egg Crisis

By Greg Collier

As egg prices continue to rise and shortages grow due to the ongoing bird flu outbreak, scammers have found yet another way to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers. An Oregon woman is now warning others about an online scam preying on people eager to raise their own backyard chickens.

With grocery store shelves often bare and prices soaring, many have turned to social media and online marketplaces, searching for hens to provide a steady supply of fresh eggs. Unfortunately, scammers are fully aware of this trend and have adapted their tactics to exploit it.

One Oregon woman, eager to secure her own flock, recently fell victim to a fraudulent seller while searching for hens online. The seller, like many operating this scheme, insisted on payment through cash apps such as Zelle, Venmo, or Chime. These platforms offer little to no buyer protection, making it easy for scammers to disappear with the money. As the transaction progressed, additional fees for shipping crates and other hidden costs were suddenly introduced, further draining the victim’s funds before she realized it was all a scam.

The scam bears a striking resemblance to pet scams, where fraudsters post fake listings for animals, collect payment, and then never deliver the promised pet. In both cases, the scam plays on the buyer’s emotions and urgency, whether it’s the excitement of getting a new puppy or the pressing need to secure a reliable food source during a shortage.

This scam demonstrates how quickly fraudsters adapt to current events. They capitalize on public concerns, adapting their scams to match whatever is in high demand, whether it be pandemic-era puppies, scarce baby formula, or, in this case, backyard chickens.

To avoid falling victim, experts recommend sticking to reputable local sellers when looking to purchase hens. Buying in person allows buyers to inspect the birds and ensures the transaction is legitimate. While the appeal of finding a deal online is strong, the risk of being scammed far outweighs any potential savings.

As more people consider raising chickens due to fluctuating egg prices, awareness is key. Scammers are quick to evolve, but with a cautious approach, buyers can protect themselves from losing money to these fraudulent schemes.