How To Spot A Puppy Scam!
When the COVID-19 pandemic started to impact daily life in the U.S., many folks who sheltered in place or quarantined at home considered adopting or purchasing a new pet. Unfortunately, scammers also seized the moment, creating their own “puppy scam pandemic” of sorts.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reported cases of pet scams tripled in 2020 alone. Today, fake pets account for more than one-third of online scams reported to the BBB. The agency reports that the typical victim loses $700 to a pet scam, and some people lose thousands!
Here, we'll talk about how to spot a pet or puppy scam, along with ways to buy a dog (or other pet) online safely without getting scammed.
How do pet and puppy scams work?
So, how do scammers get away with such criminal activity? They usually publish their puppy scams three different ways:
Fake websites and website ads. Fraudulent listings on places like Craigslist or Ebay. Phony Facebook and social media posts.
A post or website might appear credible at first glance. It could include photos of the supposed animal, along with personal details about the pet’s background and story — all with a VERY cheap price tag.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
Some common flags of a puppy scam include
1) a puppy listed as "free" but other charges apply;
2) puppy photos stolen from other online websites;
3) a seller located far away or out of the country;
4) an email address that has been flagged on scam warning websites.
5) any website using the word 'teacup" referring to size
6) advertising you can get a puppy for only $500
It might say something like, "the pet is available to a good home for free — if you pay for shipping," a false statement that may end up costing the unsuspecting, would-be pet parent hundreds of dollars. Once a scammer peaks your interest, they'll typically charge for subsequent services over a period of time, under the guise of preparing the animal for shipment. These additional charges might include:
Adoption fees, Veterinary bills, Vaccination costs, Insurance (including special, Special travel crates and Accessories Miscellaneous, last-minute costs.
Scammers may even provide fraudulent tracking numbers and travel dates to keep their victim on the hook. They'll withhold key information about the pet, or delay shipment altogether until certain payments are made. During the pandemic, criminals often used health-related cautions as a reason for not meeting face-to-face.
Some common flags of a puppy scam social media post include:
1) grammar and punctuation errors;
2) a photo ripped off from another person's page or profile.
3) two first name i.e Debbie Marie
4)any page referring to puppies as " teacup"
5) any page that says puppy's or puppies available for adoption
Often, scammers demand full payment through gift cards, via wire transfer through Western Union or MoneyGram; or through untraceable cash services like Venmo or CashApp. Then once a victim makes all the requested payments, the pet never arrives and the “seller” ceases all contact. A legitimate breeder will usually have a website, contract, application process, be available through phone and video call. Be able to provide all documentation and photos on both parents. Be able to provide references.
More examples of common pet scams
Here are some stories of those who have been deceived by pet scams, listed on the BBB's Scam Tracker:
“Bought a puppy to be shipped to me. Sky Pets Shipping wanted insurance for the dog, vaccinations, care and boarding, dog became ill which resulted in a vet bill, dog was injured in a fight which resulted in another vet bill. They said I was responsible for 1/2 of the vet services because that was their policy. I refused to pay, they threatened legal action because I abandoned the dog. I paid this company nearly $16,000.00 for a puppy I never received.”
“Contact emailed and then texted. We were moving & wanted two puppies. They showed us video & photos & asked for a $500 deposit. They then wanted $1000 before sending a contract & arranging shipment. The contract was never signed by me (buyer) & dogs should have arrived 5/24 at 615 pm Huntsville AL airport. I was told the dogs were delayed after I had driven 3 hours. The carrier-skyline customer pet relocation then requested $1200 crate fees, $1350 for insurance and the final straw was $3000 for Covid vaccinations. They claimed the 9 wk old dog would get ...doses (impossible & there is no dog vaccine to date) at once. They tried to play on my guilt & when I started claiming fraud & scam they refused to answer texts or emails.”
“I wanted to buy a Rottweiler puppy and he had gorgeous dogs. He asked all the right questions, sent a contract to be signed along with payment. When came time to fly him over, virgin pets transport sent me an email that the pup needed a specialty crate for a 1500$ deposit. After payment I haven't heard back.”
How to avoid a pet or puppy scammer
If you’re passionate about finding a pet, practice caution and a healthy dose of skepticism! It’s remarkably easy for scammers and cybercriminals to prey on your interests, promising something they won’t deliver, and bilking you out of your money without you realizing what’s happening. Here’s what we recommend when it comes to avoiding online pet scams:
1) Seek out a Reputable AKC/CKC registered Breeder.
You’ll be able to see meet the breeder via "facetime" (video chat) actually see the puppy. See the parents of the puppy. See pedigrees upfront. Most Reputable breeders have websites and require applications for their puppies.
2) ask for references from the Breeder.
3) expect to pay more than $1500 for a puppy. A lot goes into breeding high quality AKC puppy. Genetic And Health testing of parents to ensure health of puppies, lots and lots of painstaking time, nutrition, etc. YOU WILL NOT get Puppy for $500. If you want a puppy in this in this price range please look in your local shelter shelter or rescue.
3) A good breeder will send you updates and photos of your puppy until you receive him/her.
4) Reference a puppy scammer list.
There are dozens of places online that keep up-to-date lists of all the known pet scams in the U.S. One site that the BBB promotes is petscams.com, which tracks complaints, catalogues puppy scams and attempts to get fake pet sales sites taken down.
5) Do not pay up front in full. Expect to pay a deposit. A Good breeder will have a contract that will have everything laid out ahead of time. Never agree to pay before you actually have the puppy in hand — even if the seller promises to send it to you.
6) Never pay with a gift card, wire transfer or payment app to someone you've never met (please use see above information on Reputable Breeders most use cash apps NEVER Gift cards or Wire Transfers).
Legitimate businesses and nonprofits would never ask for payment this way, and independent breeders or sellers with credibility should offer different payment methods.
7) Report pet scams when you see them.
If you spot a pet scam online, tell the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Our furry friends play an important (and adorable) role in our lives. Be cautious about where you’re searching for them, and protect your money in the process.
I hope you find this information helpful.
