Pet Scams
Heartwarming photos, reasonable prices, but after your deposit you face endless 'shipping,' 'insurance,' and 'climate crate' fees. No puppy ever arrives. French Bulldogs, Bengal cats, and exotic birds are the most common bait.
How it worksThe anatomy of the scam
Every case follows roughly the same playbook. Recognize the pattern, stop it early.
1. The adorable listing
Professional photos, a sympathetic 'family breeder', a price slightly below market.
2. The deposit
'To hold the puppy' — usually a few hundred dollars.
3. Shipping complications
'The airline needs a special temperature-controlled crate, $850.' Then: 'pet insurance required, $400.' Then: 'customs clearance, $600.'
4. The vanishing
Eventually you catch on. Seller blocks you. No pet, lots of money gone.
Warning signsRed flags to watch for
If you're seeing two or more of these, assume it's a scam until proven otherwise.
Can't meet the puppy in person
Real breeders insist you meet both the puppy and its mother.
Must ship via 'special carrier'
Legitimate breeders use standard services or require pickup.
Endless add-on fees
Insurance, crates, vaccines — always another cost.
Protect yourselfDo this. Not that.
✓ Do
Visit the breeder in person. See the parents. Meet the puppy.
✗ Don't
Never buy a pet sight-unseen based only on photos.
✓ Do
Check the breeder against AKC breed club directories.
✗ Don't
Don't pay shipping, insurance, or crate fees before the animal is in your hands.
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