Finding the perfect puppy online can be an exciting experience, but it can also lead to heartbreak if you fall victim to a scam. With the rise of digital marketplaces and social media, dishonest individuals have found ways to exploit hopeful pet owners by posing as breeders or rescue organizations. Puppy scams are becoming more prevalent, with thousands of people losing money each year to these fraudsters. To ensure your search for a new furry friend is safe, follow these tips to avoid online puppy scams.
- Research the Breeder or Seller Thoroughly
Before making any commitments, it’s crucial to investigate the breeder or seller. Look for reviews and testimonials from other buyers, and be wary of those who have little to no online presence. Reputable breeders often have a website or social media profiles where they showcase their dogs and engage with potential buyers. Red flags include:
- No verifiable information or contact details
- Generic or stock images of puppies (which may be found on other websites)
- Vague answers to specific questions about the puppy’s breed, health, or living conditions
Tip: Google the seller’s name, phone number, or email address alongside terms like “scam” or “fraud” to see if any negative reports come up.
- Insist on Meeting in Person or Via Video Call
Scammers often operate remotely, making excuses for why you can’t meet the puppy in person. If possible, visit the breeder or seller’s location to see where the puppy was raised. If an in-person visit isn’t possible due to distance, request a video call where you can see the puppy live and interact with the breeder.
During the video call, ask to see the puppy’s parents, its living environment, and any paperwork (such as health certificates). Scammers often refuse to comply with these requests or provide pre-recorded videos that don’t match the specific puppy you’re interested in.
- Beware of Prices That Seem Too Good to Be True
Puppies from reputable breeders, especially purebred or designer breeds, typically come at a high cost due to the care, vaccinations, and certifications involved. If you come across a listing with significantly lower prices than others you’ve seen, be cautious. Scammers use enticingly low prices to lure in unsuspecting buyers.
On the flip side, some scammers may ask for exorbitant amounts of money, claiming the puppy is rare or from an exclusive bloodline. Always compare prices for the breed you’re interested in to get a sense of the market rate.
- Watch for Unusual Payment Requests
Scammers often push for non-refundable deposits or full payments upfront using untraceable methods, such as:
- Gift cards
- Wire transfers (e.g., Western Union, MoneyGram)
- Peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo or Cash App
Legitimate breeders typically offer secure payment methods and may require a deposit, but they should also provide a clear contract outlining the terms of the sale. Avoid sellers who refuse to use traceable payment methods like credit cards or PayPal.
- Verify Health and Registration Documents
Puppy scammers often promise health guarantees, vaccination records, and registration papers to make their offer seem legitimate. Always verify these documents. Ask for copies of the health certificates from a licensed veterinarian, vaccination records, and breed registration papers (if applicable). Check with the relevant kennel club (e.g., AKC, UKC) to ensure the registration papers are authentic.
Some scammers may go so far as to send fake documents, so it’s essential to contact the issuing organizations directly to confirm their legitimacy.
- Be Wary of Shipping Offers
Scammers often promise to ship the puppy to you for a fee, and this is where they often demand additional, last-minute payments. Common tactics include:
- Requesting more money for “unexpected” shipping costs, pet insurance, or a specialized crate
- Claiming the puppy is being held at an airport or facility until further payments are made
Legitimate breeders usually discuss shipping costs upfront, and if you do opt for shipping, they should provide a reputable shipping company with a tracking number.
- Check for a Return Policy
Reputable breeders and rescue organizations often offer a return policy or health guarantee, allowing you to return the puppy if health issues arise shortly after adoption. Scammers, on the other hand, rarely offer such terms or are vague about them. A lack of transparency regarding returns or guarantees is a red flag.
- Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off about the interaction, it probably is. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to rush you into making a decision, claiming that the puppy is in high demand or that you’ll lose your spot in line. If the seller seems too eager to close the deal without addressing your concerns, step away and look elsewhere.
- Use a Trusted Platform
When searching for a puppy, consider using reputable adoption platforms or breeder directories that verify the identity of sellers. Websites like the American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace or Adopt-a-Pet offer listings from verified breeders or rescue organizations. These platforms often have safeguards in place to prevent fraudulent listings.
- Report Suspicious Activity
If you believe you’ve encountered a scam, report it to relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also file a complaint with the website or platform where the scam occurred. By reporting these incidents, you can help prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes.
Conclusion
Finding your new furry friend should be a joyful experience, but it’s important to stay vigilant during the process. By doing your research, asking the right questions, and trusting your instincts, you can avoid puppy scams and bring home a healthy, happy companion. Always remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.