🐕
Puppy & Pet Scams
Fake pet breeders post adorable photos of puppies, collect deposits, then demand more money for nonexistent shipping or vet fees.
$3M+ (FTC)
Annual losses (US)
4,500+ annually (US)
Reported victims/year
Report Now
FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
🎭 How Scammers Do It: Tactics
- ▸ Post stolen pet photos on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or breeder sites
- ▸ Offer rare breed puppies at significantly below market price
- ▸ Require deposit before shipping the pet
- ▸ Invent shipping complications requiring additional payments
- ▸ Create fake pet shipping companies to add credibility
- ▸ Ghost the buyer after collecting payment
🚩 Red Flags: Stop If You See These
⚠ Price is unusually low for the breed
⚠ Seller cannot meet in person or via video with the animal
⚠ Payment required before seeing or collecting the pet
⚠ Requests for wire transfer, gift cards, or Zelle
⚠ Shipping company has a very new website or few reviews
⚠ Seller is overseas and needs to ship the pet
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself
1. Always meet the pet and seller in person before paying
2. Visit the breeder's physical location to see the puppy's parents
3. Research the breeder on the AKC Marketplace for registered breeders
4. Consider adopting from a local shelter instead
5. Never pay for a pet you have not seen in person
6. Be suspicious of any breeder who cannot FaceTime with the live animal
📋 How to Report This Scam
Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the platform where the ad appeared.