- Never send an advance, booking or token payment for an animal you haven't seen.
- See the animal in daylight at the farm or mandi: check the teeth, eyes, horns, ears and how it walks.
- Buying by weight? Weigh it on a scale in front of you.
- For a qurbani share (hissa), deal with an organiser you can visit — ask for the animal, the address and a video of the qurbani.
- Ticks can spread Congo fever: wear full sleeves at the mandi, check the animal for ticks and never crush one with bare hands.
- Prefer verified sellers, and report anything suspicious.