You’re scrolling through your social feed when you stumble upon an adorable, lifelike pony. It walks, neighs, wags its tail, and even responds to your voice and touch. The headline screams: “🔥50% OFF My Realistic Robot Pony – Today Only!”
It sounds magical—especially if you’ve got a horse-loving child at home or are a fan of interactive pet toys. But before you reach for your wallet, know this: It’s a scam.
This article exposes the Realistic Robot Pony scam in full detail. We’ll walk you through how it works, how to recognize it, and what steps to take if you’ve already fallen victim. Let’s dive into the truth behind the synthetic mane.
Scam Overview
The Realistic Robot Pony scam—also branded under names like “My Walking AI Pony” or “Realistic Robot Pony”—follows a familiar formula: fake advertising, emotionally manipulative marketing, and nonexistent customer service.
This isn’t just about losing a few dollars on a disappointing toy—it’s about being misled, deceived, and potentially exposing your financial and personal information to cybercriminals.
Too Good to Be True? It Is
The scam sites claim the toy:
- Walks, wags, and moves like a real pony
- Makes realistic sounds and responds to voice or touch
- Is made from premium materials like synthetic leather and hand-sculpted polymer
- Was “voted best technological innovation of 2025”
Every bullet point sounds impressive, but none of it holds up under scrutiny.
The pony is presented as the result of 30+ years of toy design experience. The visuals are sleek, professional, and engaging—designed to mimic legitimate tech startups. But dig deeper, and you’ll find a house of cards built on AI-generated images and flat-out lies.
What Buyers Actually Receive
If you’re lucky, you’ll receive a low-quality, generic stuffed animal that looks nothing like what was advertised. It doesn’t walk. It doesn’t respond to voice. It may not even look like a pony.
Worse, many customers report receiving absolutely nothing. No confirmation email, no tracking info, and definitely no pony. Support channels either don’t exist or lead to dead-end generic inboxes that never reply.
Misleading Trust Signals
These websites are loaded with fake guarantees:
- “100% Money Back Guarantee”
- “PalPay Verified Merchant” (note the typo!)
- “GoogleTrusted Store” badges
- Claims of “paid $100k GBP to PayPal as store security”
None of these are verifiable. And some, like “PalPay,” are clearly fabricated to resemble legitimate platforms while avoiding trademark infringement.
Emotionally Charged Sales Copy
The scam exploits emotions to make you act quickly. Phrases like:
- “Perfect gift for your child or grandparent!”
- “No mess, just joy!”
- “All the pony fun, none of the hassle!”
This emotional manipulation helps override your rational decision-making. The site pushes urgency with countdown clocks, fake stock scarcity (“Only 4 left in your area!”), and time-sensitive sales.
A Pattern Repeated Across Many Products
This isn’t a one-off scam. It’s the latest iteration in a long line of fraudulent “realistic pet” scams. Previous versions include the AI Penguin, Bunby Bunny, and Realistic AI Puppy. All use the same layout, structure, and deceptive tactics.
How the Scam Works
Understanding how the scam unfolds can help you spot similar frauds in the future. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the Realistic Robot Pony scam hooks victims.
Step 1: Captivating Ads with Fake Videos
Using tools like AI animation software and motion capture overlays, scammers generate videos that make the robot pony appear hyper-realistic. It walks, responds to touch, and makes cute noises—except it’s all fake.
These clips are circulated across:
- Facebook and Instagram ads
- TikTok influencer-style videos
- Sponsored content on YouTube
The goal is simple: make you believe this pony actually exists.
Step 2: A Slick, Trust-Building Landing Page
Once you click the ad, you’re sent to a polished-looking website with:
- Emotional, storytelling-driven descriptions
- High-resolution images and motion graphics
- Fake customer testimonials
- Trust badges and guarantees
Everything about the site is engineered to look like a credible e-commerce platform.
Step 3: Urgency Tactics
To push you toward an impulse buy, the site uses psychological manipulation:
- Countdown timers (“Sale ends in 09:34 minutes!”)
- Limited quantity alerts (“Only 2 left today!”)
- Highlighted reviews showing kids hugging their “new best friend” pony
It’s all about skipping your logic and triggering your emotions.
Step 4: Fast and Unsecured Checkout Process
These websites typically:
- Collect personal and payment details without encryption
- Offer limited payment options that lack buyer protections
- Don’t send confirmation emails or tracking info
They’re designed to take your money fast—and vanish just as quickly.
Step 5: You Receive Junk… or Nothing
Reports show two outcomes:
- No delivery at all. You pay, and nothing ever arrives.
- You get a knockoff plush toy that doesn’t resemble the product photos or videos.
There’s no robotic functionality, no response to touch, no lifelike movement—just a cheap, lifeless toy.
Step 6: Refunds Are a Dead End
When victims try to get their money back, they hit a wall:
- No working email or customer service
- No company name or physical address
- Dispute windows already closed by the time people realize they’ve been scammed
The scam sites often disappear and resurface under new domains.
What to Do If You’ve Fallen Victim to the Robot Pony Scam
If you’ve been duped by the Realistic Robot Pony scam, take these steps right away:
1. Report the Transaction
- PayPal: Open a dispute under “item not received” or “significantly not as described.”
- Credit Card: Contact your card issuer to initiate a chargeback. Explain the scam in detail.
The sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovery.
2. Report the Scam Website
- FTC (U.S.): reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): bbb.org
- Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): ic3.gov
- Google Safe Browsing: safebrowsing.google.com
These reports help authorities shut down fraudulent domains.
3. Monitor Your Bank Statements
Scammers may reuse your card info for unauthorized charges. Check for:
- Charges from unrelated merchants
- Subscription renewals you didn’t sign up for
- Transactions from foreign countries
Contact your bank immediately if you see anything suspicious.
4. Change Passwords and Enable 2FA
If you used the same email and password elsewhere, change them immediately. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security.
5. Leave Reviews and Raise Awareness
Warn others by leaving reviews on:
- Trustpilot
- Sitejabber
- Reddit scam forums
- Facebook scam awareness groups
Spreading the word can help prevent future victims.
6. Use Scam-Blocking Tools
Install browser extensions like:
- Bitdefender TrafficLight
- uBlock Origin
- Web of Trust (WOT)
These tools help detect suspicious websites before you engage with them.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Realistic Robot Pony Scam
Is the Realistic Robot Pony a real product?
No, the Realistic Robot Pony is not a legitimate product. The toy shown in advertisements does not exist in the way it’s described. The walking, neighing, and interactive features are fabricated using AI-generated videos and marketing copy. Most customers never receive the product, and those who do report receiving a cheap, generic stuffed toy that doesn’t function at all.
What do people actually receive after ordering?
Most buyers report one of the following outcomes:
- They receive nothing at all
- They receive a low-quality plush toy with no robotic or interactive features
- They receive an unrelated or broken item
None of these deliveries resemble the advertised product.
How can I tell if a site is a scam?
Here are common red flags:
- Over-the-top product claims with no credible proof
- No physical business address or company name listed
- Fake trust badges or certifications (e.g., “PalPay certified”)
- Spelling and grammar mistakes throughout the site
- Pushy sales tactics like countdown timers and fake low-stock alerts
- No real customer service or working contact information
Are the videos of the pony real?
No. The promotional videos showing the pony walking, responding to voice, or interacting with children are created using AI tools or animation software. They are not footage of a real product. This is a key part of the deception.
Can I get my money back?
Possibly, depending on your payment method:
- If you paid through PayPal, file a dispute for “item not received” or “item not as described”
- If you used a credit card, contact your bank to initiate a chargeback Act quickly, as there may be a limited window for disputes.
Is it safe to buy from the NICOO™ or similar sites?
No, it is not safe. NICOO™ and similar sites that promote ultra-realistic robotic toys with unbelievable features are often fraudulent. They mimic the design and feel of trustworthy e-commerce stores but are built solely to collect payments and disappear.
What should I do if I shared my personal information?
If you provided your name, address, phone number, or payment details:
- Monitor your financial accounts for suspicious activity
- Contact your bank or credit card issuer to flag the transaction
- Change your passwords if you created an account on the scam site
- Enable two-factor authentication on your important accounts
Can these scam sites be reported?
Yes. You should report the scam to help protect others. Use the following platforms:
- FTC (United States): reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Google Safe Browsing to flag the domain
The more reports filed, the more likely it is that the site will be taken down.
Are there other scams like this?
Yes, this is part of a broader pattern of scams involving fake robotic pets. Similar scams have included:
- The AI Penguin scam
- The Bunby Bunny scam
- The Realistic Golden Retriever Puppy scam
These scams all follow the same formula: emotional marketing, fake videos, and low-quality or missing products.
How can I protect myself from future scams?
To stay safe:
- Research unknown brands before purchasing
- Look for real customer reviews on platforms like Reddit, Trustpilot, or Sitejabber
- Avoid deals that seem too good to be true
- Use payment methods with fraud protection, like PayPal or credit cards
- Install browser tools that flag suspicious websites
The Bottom Line
The Realistic Robot Pony scam is a high-pressure, emotion-driven fraud targeting people looking for joy, novelty, and heartfelt gifts. It capitalizes on lifelike AI imagery and manipulative marketing to steal your money and vanish.
There is no real robot pony that walks, neighs, and interacts like the one shown in these ads. If it seems too magical to be true—it is.
Protect yourself by researching unknown stores, checking for verifiable reviews, and resisting the pressure to act fast. Share this article to help others stay one step ahead of these digital con artists.
Stay sharp. Stay skeptical. Stay safe.
