How-to guide
Puppy and pet scams
Pet scams tug at the heart: a beautiful puppy at a great price, available now — just send a deposit. The pet doesn't exist, and after the first payment come endless "shipping" and "insurance" fees.
How pet scams work
- A listing or website shows photos (often stolen) of a pet at a low price.
- You must pay a deposit before meeting the animal.
- Then come surprise fees: special crate, insurance, vaccinations, "climate-controlled" shipping.
- Payment is by wire, gift card, Zelle, or crypto.
How to stay safe
Never buy a pet you haven't seen in person or on a live video call. Reverse-image-search the photos. Use traceable payment. Run the listing through Scam Doctor before sending anything.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a puppy seller is a scam?
Insist on a live video call or in-person meeting, reverse-image-search the photos, and never pay a deposit by wire, gift card, or crypto.
Why do the fees keep increasing?
Escalating "shipping" and "insurance" fees are part of the scam — there is no pet, only more demands until you stop paying.