Puppy Scams: Don’t Let Fraudsters Steal Your Holiday Joy

December Scam of the Month

The holidays are a time for giving, and for some, that means adding a furry friend to the family. But scammers know this and use it to exploit your excitement. Before you send money for that adorable pup, make sure you’re not falling for a scam.

Common Tactics Scammers Use

Puppy scams follow a predictable pattern, but they’re convincing because they play on emotions. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Fake Listings: Scammers steal photos from legitimate breeders or pet owners and post them on fake websites or social media ads. These listings often feature rare breeds at bargain prices to lure victims in.

  • Upfront Payments: Victims are pressured to pay quickly often through untraceable methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or payment apps. Scammers claim urgency, saying the puppy will go to someone else if you don’t act fast.

  • Extra Fees: After the initial payment, scammers pile on additional costs for “insurance,” “vaccinations,” or “special climate-controlled shipping crates.” These fees can double or triple the original price.

  • Ghosting: Once the money is sent, communication stops. The promised puppy never arrives, and the scammer disappears, sometimes after creating multiple excuses to keep you paying longer.

Identifying the Red Flags

Before you fall for a cute photo and a sweet story, look for these warning signs:

  • Can’t Verify the Breeder’s Legitimacy: Don’t rely on a good-looking website as proof of trustworthiness, scammers often create convincing sites that mimic real breeders.

  • No In-Person Meeting: Legitimate breeders will allow you to meet the puppy or at least arrange a live video call. If the seller refuses or makes excuses like travel issues, it’s a major red flag.

  • Too-Good-to-Be-True Prices: Purebred puppies rarely come cheap. If the price seems unusually low, it’s likely a scam.

  • Untraceable Payment Requests: Never pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfer services, or payment apps that don’t offer buyer protection.

  • Poor Communication: Watch for vague answers, grammatical errors, or reluctance to provide details about the puppy’s health, pedigree, or location.

  • Stock Photos: Do a reverse image search on the puppy photo. If it appears on multiple sites, it’s most likely stolen.

Tip: Support your local animal rescue or shelter. Pets of all breeds and ages are waiting for loving homes. A quick online search can help you find one nearby, plus adopting usually comes at a lower cost.

Where To Report?

Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online or call 1-877-438-4338. File a compliant with the Better Business Bureau using the BBB Scam Tracker to share your experience to help warn others.

Scam of the MonthBrianna Glose