This is a sensitive, but very important reality. 
I've been in the alpaca business now for 13 years, served on boards for various alpaca associations and I have talked to a lot of people who are looking to purchase alpacas for the first time.  Unfortunately I’m hearing that more and more people are getting scammed in the process.  I recently spoke with someone who lost $3,000!

If you’re looking to buy alpacas for the very first time, please keep these tips in mind:

Visit a reputable alpaca farm in person.
Visit a farm or farms in person, and if possible, offer to help with chores. You’ll learn far more about alpacas—and the farm—than you ever could online.  Not sure where to start? Contact your local or regional Alpaca Association to find a reputable farm.  Reputable in my opinion, means someone who raises and knows the animals, and is known and possibly recommended by others, not an auction and not a flipper. These buy/sell operations typically don’t know alpacas and often provide incorrect or misleading information.  I have many examples.  (Note: If you want to rescue alpacas, it is admirable and it can be a major time and financial commitment, so I don't recommend that for first time buyers.  The alpaca network can also help you find the legitimate rescue organizations.) 

Ask the seller for references and actually check them.
A legitimate seller will not be offended by this.

Insist on a phone call—and ideally a FaceTime/video call.
Ask them to show you the animals in real time. Many scammers will only communicate via text or DMs.  I refuse to make any purchases or sales of animals or products without a live phone call and a written agreement.

Require a written contract.
No contract = no deal.

Reach out to your regional Alpaca Association or the Alpaca Owners Association (AOA).
These organizations are a wealth of information. Better yet—join one of these associations to support the industry that will benefit you now and in the future. You’ll gain education, support, and a trusted network. 

Don’t trust an online group just because its name includes “association,” “society,” or “for adoption.”
Those words don’t make it legitimate. Look for:

• • A real website that you can find easily
  • Registration on your state’s Secretary of State website (in the U.S.)
  • Membership in recognized organizations (local alpaca associations and/or the Alpacas Owners Assocition, aka AOA)

If it’s hard to find information about the person or farm, assume it’s a scam.  Remember you can always check with one of the local, regional or a national alpaca organization to find out if the group is a known legitmate rescue. 

Be cautious of adorable photos.
Scammers often “borrow” photos from other farms—sometimes from other countries. If you know how to do a reverse image search, use it.

Be wary of groups that say, “Only purchase from administrators.”
This is often meant to give the illusion of oversight. In reality, it’s usually a tactic to funnel you and your funds directly to the scammer.

My final point:  There are PLENTY of honest farms with years of experience and knowledge, who want nothing more than to give you the buyer, and the animals they sell a successful experience! 

If you have questions about this article or about buying alpacas please contact me.  

RESOURCES:

Where to Find your local Alpaca Association and the national Alpaca Owners Association.

In Kentucky:  Kentucky Alpaca Association

Outside KY you can find your local alpaca organization here:  https://www.alpacainfo.com/about/alpaca-affiliates

The national Alpaca organization:  Alpaca Owners Association

The national Suri Alpaca organization: Suri Simply Stunning and The Suri Network

 View my listing on Ilovealpacas.com. where you can also find a by state directory of USA Alpaca Farms.