Puppy and Pet Scams

How to Spot Puppy and Pet Scams and How to Keep Safe

Puppy and pet scams are a heartbreaking type of fraud where criminals pretend to sell pets that either do not exist or are not legally available for sale. These scams often target people looking for puppies, kittens, or other popular pets online, using adorable photographs and emotional stories to encourage quick decisions.

Many victims lose hundreds or even thousands of pounds before discovering that the pet was never real or that the seller has disappeared. In some cases, victims continue sending money after being told the animal needs additional transport, insurance, or veterinary fees.

Understanding how puppy and pet scams work can help you protect both your finances and your emotions.

What Is a Puppy or Pet Scam?

A puppy or pet scam is when a fraudster advertises an animal for sale with the intention of stealing money rather than providing a genuine pet.

Scammers may:

  • Advertise pets they do not own.
  • Use stolen photographs from legitimate breeders.
  • Pretend to be licensed breeders or rescue centres.
  • Request deposits for animals that do not exist.
  • Invent additional charges after payment has been made.
  • Sell sick, illegally imported, or stolen animals.

The scam usually ends once the victim refuses to send more money or realises the pet does not exist.

How Puppy and Pet Scams Work

Most pet scams follow a similar pattern:

  1. You see an advert for a puppy or pet online.
  2. The price is attractive compared to similar animals.
  3. The seller claims there is high demand.
  4. You are asked to pay a deposit to reserve the pet.
  5. Additional fees for transport, insurance, vaccinations, or paperwork suddenly appear.
  6. The seller disappears once payments have been made.

Some scammers continue asking for money over several weeks by inventing new problems.

Common Types of Puppy and Pet Scams

Fake Puppy Sales

The scammer advertises puppies that do not exist using photographs stolen from genuine breeders.

Fake Rescue Centre Scams

Criminals pretend to represent animal rescue organisations and ask for adoption fees for non-existent pets.

Transport Fee Scams

After paying a deposit, victims are told they must pay unexpected costs for:

  • Pet transport
  • Travel crates
  • Veterinary certificates
  • Insurance
  • Customs clearance
  • Quarantine fees

These charges continue until the victim stops paying.

Stolen Pet Photographs

Scammers copy images from breeders’ websites or social media to make their advertisements look genuine.

Illegal Import Scams

Animals may actually exist but have been imported illegally, may be underage, or have forged health documents.

Warning Signs of a Puppy or Pet Scam

If several of these warning signs are present, the advert may be fraudulent.

The Price Is Much Lower Than Expected

Healthy pedigree animals rarely sell for significantly less than the usual market price.

You Cannot Meet the Animal

Scammers often claim:

  • They are working overseas.
  • The pet is already with a transport company.
  • Delivery is easier than collection.
  • They are too busy for visits.

A genuine breeder or owner will usually welcome responsible buyers meeting the animal.

Pressure to Pay a Deposit Quickly

Scammers often say:

  • “Several buyers are interested.”
  • “The puppy will be sold today.”
  • “Pay now to reserve.”

This urgency is designed to stop you asking questions.

Excuses for Additional Payments

After the initial payment, new charges may suddenly appear for:

  • Vaccinations
  • Shipping
  • Insurance
  • Travel permits
  • Microchipping

Legitimate sellers are usually upfront about costs.

Refusal to Video Call

If a seller refuses to show the pet during a live video call, this should raise concerns.

Suspicious Communication

Watch for:

  • Poor grammar or spelling.
  • Generic responses.
  • Free email addresses.
  • Reluctance to answer detailed questions.

Why Puppy and Pet Scams Work

These scams succeed because people become emotionally attached to the photographs and stories long before meeting the animal.

Scammers deliberately create excitement and urgency, making victims afraid of losing the opportunity to buy their “perfect” pet.

Professional-looking websites and convincing social media profiles can make fraudulent breeders appear genuine.

How Family and Friends Can Help

If someone you know is buying a pet:

  • Encourage them to meet the animal before paying.
  • Suggest researching the breeder thoroughly.
  • Offer to accompany them to view the pet.
  • Help carry out reverse image searches on the photographs.
  • Remind them not to rush into paying deposits.

A second opinion can often identify warning signs that excitement may cause someone to overlook.

How to Keep Safe

Always Meet the Pet

Whenever possible, see the animal in person before making any payment.

Observe:

  • The pet’s behaviour.
  • Its living conditions.
  • The mother (for puppies and kittens).
  • The seller’s knowledge and experience.

Research the Seller

Look for:

  • Independent reviews.
  • A genuine business address.
  • Verified contact details.
  • Membership of recognised breeding organisations where applicable.

Ask for a Live Video Call

A genuine seller should usually be willing to show the animal during a live video call if an in-person visit is not immediately possible.

Never Pay by Bank Transfer Alone

Where possible, use payment methods that provide consumer protection.

Reverse Image Search Photographs

If the same images appear on multiple websites or adverts, the listing may be fraudulent.

Trust Your Instincts

If the seller seems evasive, rushed, or unwilling to answer questions, walk away.

There will always be other opportunities to find the right pet.

What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe you’ve been the victim of a puppy or pet scam:

  1. Contact your bank immediately to report the payment.
  2. Ask whether the transaction can be recovered.
  3. Save all emails, messages, advertisements, and payment receipts.
  4. Report the advert to the website or platform where it appeared.
  5. Report the scam to the relevant fraud authority in your country.
  6. Monitor your financial accounts for any suspicious activity.

Reporting the scam quickly may help prevent others from becoming victims.

Final Thoughts

Puppy and pet scams are particularly cruel because they exploit people’s love of animals. Criminals rely on excitement, emotion, and urgency to persuade buyers to send money before verifying that the pet and the seller are genuine.

The safest approach is to meet the animal whenever possible, research the seller carefully, and never feel pressured into paying a deposit without carrying out proper checks.

If a friend or family member is looking for a new pet, encourage them to take their time, ask plenty of questions, and seek a second opinion before making any payment. A little patience can prevent significant financial loss and ensure they bring home a healthy pet from a genuine and responsible seller.