“How to Avoid Puppy Scams: Protect Your Heart and Wallet.”
The Puppy Scam Problem
Would you trust someone who promises you the perfect puppy—sight unseen—for a bargain price? Sadly, thousands of Americans fall for this trap every year. In 2022, over 5,000 puppy scams were reported to the Better Business Bureau, resulting in losses of more than $2 million. Puppy scams are a heart-wrenching blend of emotional manipulation and financial fraud.
This article will help you spot the signs of a puppy scam, understand how they operate, and give you actionable tips to ensure you bring home a real furry friend—not an empty wallet. Plus, we’ll show you what to do if you’ve already been scammed.
Here’s how to shield your heart—and wallet—from puppy scammers.
What Are Puppy Scams?
Puppy scams are a form of fraud where scammers pose as legitimate sellers or breeders and deceive people into paying for a dog that doesn’t exist—or worse, sell sick and abused animals. These scams are most prevalent online, where fake websites, social media posts, and classified ads lure unsuspecting buyers.
Scammers rely on emotional triggers, such as cute photos and urgent sales pitches like:
- “This adorable Golden Retriever puppy is available for $300—today only!”. Share your experience
- “We’re moving overseas and need to find a home for our puppies fast!”.
The promise of a loving companion at a too-good-to-be-true price often blinds buyers to warning signs. But knowledge is power, and with a little skepticism, you can outsmart these scammers.
Common Puppy Scam Stories
Hearing real-life examples can help you better understand how puppy scams operate and avoid falling into similar traps. Here are a few cautionary tales:
- The Empty Crate Trick:
A buyer sent $500 for a Golden Retriever puppy advertised online. The seller promised “free shipping” and sent tracking details for the delivery. When the crate arrived, it was empty. The seller disappeared, and the buyer never got their money—or the puppy—back. - The “Additional Fees” Scam:
An eager buyer found a puppy online for $300—well below the average cost. After making the payment, the seller demanded additional fees for “vaccinations” and “special travel insurance.” The buyer paid an extra $700 before realizing the seller wasn’t legitimate. - The Fake Shipping Company:
A scammer posed as both the seller and a shipping company. After purchasing the puppy, the buyer was contacted by the “shipping company,” requesting payment for a heated crate. The puppy didn’t exist, and the “company” was just part of the scammer’s scheme. - The Photo Bait-and-Switch:
A buyer fell in love with photos of a fluffy Pomeranian puppy on social media. After transferring $400, they discovered the photos were stolen from a legitimate breeder’s website, and the “seller” had no puppies to offer.
Signs of a Puppy Scam
- Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals
If the price of a purebred puppy seems ridiculously low—say, $200 for a breed that typically costs $2,000—your scam radar should go off. Scammers lure buyers with cheap prices, knowing people might skip their usual due diligence to “snag a deal.”
“If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.” — Age-old wisdom that definitely applies to puppy shopping!
Legitimate breeders invest in health checks, vaccinations, and high-quality care, which means their prices reflect those costs.
- No Meet-and-Greet Option
A responsible breeder or shelter will always allow you to meet the puppy in person or via a live video call. Scammers, on the other hand, will make excuses like:
- “We’re in another state, but we can ship the puppy to you.”
- “Our policy doesn’t allow home visits.”
If you can’t meet the puppy—or at least verify its living conditions—it’s likely a scam.
- Suspicious Payment Requests
Scammers often ask for payment through untraceable methods such as wire transfers, gift cards, or apps like CashApp and Venmo. Once you send the money, it’s gone for good.
Legitimate sellers usually accept payments through secure methods like credit cards, PayPal, or in-person transactions.
How to Avoid Puppy Scams
- Research Reputable Breeders and Shelters
Spend time researching the breeder or shelter before making any payments. Look for:
- Reviews and testimonials: Check Google, Yelp, or breeder-specific forums.
- Accreditations: Legitimate breeders are often registered with organizations like the AKC (American Kennel Club).
- A professional website: Beware of poorly designed sites riddled with spelling errors.
Bonus Tip: Use the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker to search for complaints.
- Insist on Seeing the Puppy in Person or Live Video
Don’t rely solely on photos—those can be stolen from legitimate websites. Ask for a live video call to meet the puppy and its parents (if possible). Pay attention to details like:
- Clean living conditions.
- Interaction between the puppy and its caretaker.
- Signs of a healthy, happy animal.
If the seller refuses or makes excuses, walk away.
- Verify Seller Information
Check the seller’s phone number, email, and address. Tools like Google Maps can help confirm if the address matches what they claim. If they provide vague or inconsistent details, it’s a major red flag.
Beyond simply checking a seller’s phone number, email, and address, you can use online tools to dig deeper into their authenticity. For example:
- Reverse Phone Lookup: Websites like Whitepages or Truecaller can help verify if the phone number is linked to a legitimate individual or business.
- Email Verification Services: Use tools like Hunter.io or Verify Email to confirm whether the seller’s email address is active and associated with a credible domain.
- Search Public Records: Some scam detection websites or state licensing boards provide public access to breeder or business registrations.
- Check Social Media: Look for a consistent presence on platforms like Facebook or Instagram, where reputable breeders often showcase their dogs’ living conditions and updates.
Beware of International Scams
While many puppy scams originate domestically, some fraudulent sellers operate from abroad, adding an extra layer of deception. These scammers often claim to ship puppies internationally, using shipping logistics as a cover for their schemes. Common tactics include:
- Fake Shipping Companies: Scammers set up fake websites posing as legitimate shipping companies and demand additional fees for “international transport,” “customs clearance,” or “special crates.”
- Delays and Excuses: They may create fake obstacles, such as claiming the puppy is stuck in customs, to pressure buyers into paying more.
- Untraceable Payments: International scammers often ask for payment via wire transfers or cryptocurrencies, making it nearly impossible to recover funds.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Be extra cautious when a seller claims to be located overseas.
- Insist on meeting the puppy in person or verifying its living conditions via a live video call.
- Use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as credit cards or PayPal.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Keep an eye out for these additional warning signs:
- Stock photos: Use reverse image search tools like Google Images to see if the puppy’s photos are stolen.
- High-pressure tactics: Scammers may say, “You must pay today, or the puppy will go to someone else!”.
- Poor communication: Generic or poorly written emails and messages full of typos are major red flags.
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Scammed
- Stop communicating with the scammer.
Once you realize it’s a scam, cut off all contact to avoid further manipulation. - Report the scam:
- File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
- Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Inform your local law enforcement.
- Contact your bank or payment provider:
If you paid via credit card or PayPal, dispute the transaction immediately. - Spread awareness:
Share your experience online—it could help others avoid the same trap.
Conclusion: Stay Vigilant, Save Your Heart
Puppy scams are heartbreaking, but they’re avoidable with a little caution and research. Always trust your instincts—if something feels off, don’t proceed. Remember, a legitimate seller will prioritize the puppy’s welfare over a quick sale.
By following the tips in this guide, you can avoid scams and find your perfect furry friend without heartbreak. Your future dog deserves a loving home, and you deserve the joy of welcoming a real, tail-wagging companion into your life.
FAQs
- Can I trust online puppy sellers?
You can trust some, but only if you’ve verified their credibility. Always research the seller and insist on seeing the puppy in person or via live video.
- What should I do if I see a suspicious puppy ad?
Report it to the platform hosting the ad and the FTC. Spread the word on social media to warn others.
- Are there safer ways to adopt a puppy?
Yes! Visit local shelters or rescue organizations where you can meet the dogs in person. You can also use reputable breeder directories like the AKC Marketplace.
- What’s the average cost of a purebred puppy?
The average cost of a purebred puppy typically ranges from $500 to $3,000. However, several factors can influence this price:
- Geographic Location: Puppies in urban areas or regions with high demand often cost more than those in rural areas.
- Breeder Reputation: Established breeders with excellent reputations and a history of ethical practices often charge higher prices.
- Puppy’s Lineage: Puppies with champion bloodlines or pedigrees are generally more expensive due to their desirable traits and potential for competition.
- Health Clearances: Breeders who invest in health checks, genetic testing, and vaccinations may charge more to cover these additional costs.
When considering the cost, remember that a higher price often reflects the breeder’s commitment to quality and the puppy’s well-being. Be cautious of prices that seem unusually low, as they may indicate a scam or poor breeding practices.
By staying informed and vigilant, you’ll be well-equipped to find your new best friend—without falling for scams. Good luck, and happy puppy hunting!
