Puppy and Pet Scam
Also known as: pet scam, fake breeder scam, puppy listing fraud
Scammers post fake listings for puppies, kittens, or exotic pets at prices below market. After payment, the 'breeder' invents additional fees (crate rental, insurance, vaccine, travel permits) before disappearing. The pet never existed.
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How it works
Puppy scams exploit one of the most emotionally charged purchases people make. Once a family falls in love with a pet photo, they become emotionally invested and more likely to overlook red flags.
The listing: Beautiful, professionally-photographed puppies appear on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, free classified sites, or fake breeder websites. Prices are below typical breeder pricing, making it feel like a great deal.
The pitch: The 'breeder' is often out of state, sometimes overseas. They can't show the puppy in person but promise to ship via 'pet transport company.' They may even send additional photos on request to build trust.
The fees: After initial payment, fees multiply:
- 'Pet shipping insurance' ($300-$800)
- 'Climate-controlled crate rental' ($400-$1,200)
- 'Travel permits' or 'customs clearance' ($200-$500)
- 'Emergency vet visit' en route ($500-$1,500)
Each fee is framed as the last obstacle. Payments are demanded via Zelle, Cash App, wire, or cryptocurrency.
The reality: The puppy doesn't exist. The photos are stolen from legitimate breeders or stock sites. The scammer is often operating from overseas, running multiple fake 'kennels' simultaneously.
A variant: Some scammers do send an actual animal, but it's sick, from a puppy mill, or different from the one advertised.
Warning signs
- ⚠Puppy or pet listed below typical market price
- ⚠Breeder won't do video calls or in-person visits
- ⚠Breeder is always out of state or overseas
- ⚠Additional fees appearing after initial payment
- ⚠Payment demanded via Zelle, Cash App, Western Union, or crypto
- ⚠Reverse image search shows puppy photos on multiple websites
- ⚠Pressure to buy quickly before 'someone else takes it'
- ⚠Generic emails and unprofessional website
Who does this target?
Where does it happen?
What to do if you've encountered this
- 1.Stop all contact with the scammer immediately. Do not respond, do not send more money, do not try to "reason" with them.
- 2.Document everything — screenshots of conversations, phone numbers, email addresses, websites, and any transaction details.
- 3.If money was sent, contact your bank immediately. Wire and ACH reversals are measured in hours, not days.
- 4.Report the scam to the appropriate agencies:
Warning: After any scam, watch out for "recovery scammers" who promise to get your money back for an upfront fee. They are always a second scam. See our recovery scam warning guide.
Related scam patterns
Advance Fee Fraud
You're promised a large sum of money — an inheritance, lottery win, or business opportunity — but must first pay a small 'processing fee' to release it. The money never arrives, but the fees keep escalating.
Overpayment / Fake Check Scam
Someone sends you a check for more than an agreed amount and asks you to wire the difference to someone else. You deposit the check, wire the money, and a week later the check bounces — leaving you liable for the full amount.
