Pet scams occur when someone advertises a non-existent pet online and tricks buyers into paying money, but the pet never arrives. The fraudster creates fake listings with compelling descriptions, cute photos, and attractive prices to hook unsuspecting victims. 

As pet sales and adoptions have moved online, so have the deceptive tactics of scammers looking to take advantage of hopeful pet owners.

In the past three years alone, the Better Business Bureau has received nearly 10,000 reports of fake puppy and dog sale scams. However, the Federal Trade Commission estimates that only about 10% of victims report these crimes, meaning the true number of online pet scams is likely much higher.

Stay vigilant—do your research, verify breeders, and never send money for a pet you haven’t seen in person.

Scammers don’t just steal money—they steal personal information, too. In a common twist on the puppy scam, once a buyer attempts to pay, fraudsters claim the credit card was declined. In reality, they may have already stolen the card details for later use. Then, they push for alternative payments like Zelle, PayPal, or gift cards—methods that offer little to no protection for buyers.

Many victims get caught up in the excitement of getting a new pet and overlook red flags. Stephanie, a shopper from Illinois, found what seemed to be a legitimate breeder website offering “discounted puppies and free shipping.” When her credit card was supposedly declined twice, the seller asked her to buy Visa gift cards, scratch off the codes, and read them aloud over the phone. In her eagerness to secure a puppy, she complied—only to lose $2,300.

The scam doesn’t stop after the initial payment. Fraudsters often invent extra charges—such as pet insurance or temperature-controlled crates—and send fake emails from well-known courier services like FedEx or Delta Airlines to make them seem legitimate. Some even threaten legal action if the buyer refuses to pay these bogus fees.

By the time victims realize they’ve been scammed, it’s often too late to recover their money. While scammers now prefer credit cards, money transfer apps, and gift cards, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends using a credit card when possible, as they offer stronger fraud protection and chargeback options.

• Never pay with gift cards or money grams, western union etc. Legitimate breeders don’t request these payment methods.
• Research the breeder thoroughly. Look for reviews, verify their credentials, and do a reverse image search on puppy photos.
• Be wary of “urgent” deals. Scammers create a sense of urgency to pressure buyers into quick decisions.
• Confirm shipping details. If a breeder claims to use a major courier, contact the company directly to verify the transaction.
• Scammers prey on emotions, but knowledge is your best defense. Take your time, do your research, and ensure you’re getting a real puppy from a reputable source.