9 Online Pet Scams to Watch Out For
When it comes to finding the perfect pet online, the internet can feel like the perfect marketplace filled with cute faces and wagging tails. But lurking behind those adorable photos are scammers who are ready to prey on unsuspecting buyers. These people know how to tug at your heartstrings and trick you into parting with your money. Let’s dive into some of the most common online pet scams and how you can steer clear of them.
Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers
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In many cases, scammers advertise popular breeds like French Bulldogs or Siberian Huskies at prices that are significantly lower than the average. These breeds often sell for thousands of dollars due to their rarity and demand. Offering them at a steep discount is a ploy to catch the attention of budget-conscious buyers.
Fake Shipping Costs
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Here’s how this works: after you pay for the pet, the seller suddenly claims there’s an issue with delivery. They’ll insist on extra payments for “special crates” or “emergency vaccinations.” These charges are often made up on the spot to milk more money out of you. Be cautious of sellers who pile on surprise costs.
Nonexistent Breeders
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Some scammers set up entire fake websites that look professional, complete with glowing testimonials and adorable pictures of pets they don’t even own. These sites even display professional layouts and even offer customer service chat features. They are designed to fool even the savviest shopper.
Stolen Pet Photos
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You’ll often see images of pets that are lifted straight from reputable breeder sites or social media accounts. These photos are used to make you believe you’re buying a healthy animal. A quick reverse image search can expose whether those pictures have been used elsewhere.
Emotional Sob Stories
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Fraudsters know how to pull on your heartstrings. They might spin a tale about needing to rehome a beloved pet quickly due to a family emergency. While it’s tempting to act fast, take a moment to verify the story. Genuine rehoming situations will hold up under scrutiny.
No In-Person Visits Allowed
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If a seller refuses to let you visit the pet or insists that the animal can only be shipped, it’s a red flag. Legitimate breeders and adoption organizations are usually open to visits. And while international pet sales do happen, they usually involve highly specialized and documented procedures, not casual exchanges.
Advance Payments Through Untraceable Methods
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Payment methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or apps like CashApp are the go-to tools for scammers. These methods lack consumer protections, and even if you file a fraud claim, recovering the money is nearly impossible. A legitimate seller will provide secure payment options and shouldn’t push you into quick, irreversible transactions.
Puppy Mills in Disguise
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Although puppy mills are often associated with physical pet stores, many have transitioned to online platforms. Pets from these facilities are often sold with incomplete or forged health records. Beyond the financial aspect, supporting puppy mills perpetuates unethical breeding practices.
Rescue Scams
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Fake rescue organizations prey on people’s generosity by requesting donations or adoption fees for pets that don’t exist. They’ll often use heartbreaking images and stories to get you to act quickly. Verify the organization’s legitimacy through nonprofit registries and online reviews.
Falsified Pedigrees
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“Purebred” doesn’t always mean what you think. Scammers might promise a dog with pedigree papers, but these documents could be forged or nonexistent. Real pedigrees are typically issued by recognized bodies like the American Kennel Club (AKC) or The International Cat Association (TICA), and verifying the breeder’s association with these groups is essential.
Fake Health Guarantees
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Many scams involve promises of fully vaccinated pets, but these claims often lack proof. Even worse, some scammers forge vaccination records or provide outdated ones that don’t align with standard veterinary practices.
Bait-and-Switch Tactics
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This scam involves showing one animal in pictures or videos and delivering a different one entirely. Often, the delivered pet is in poor health or from an entirely different breed, leaving the buyer with unexpected veterinary costs or legal challenges.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics
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“Buy now, or the puppy gets euthanized!” Scammers use this manipulative tactic to rush your decision. While it’s heartbreaking, such urgency is almost always fake and are instead designed to limit your ability to research and make informed decisions.
Bogus Reviews
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Many fraudulent sites come with glowing reviews and testimonials that seem too perfect. Scammers know that good reviews build trust, even if they’re fake. External review platforms or community forums are better indicators of a seller’s reputation.
The Vanishing Seller
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After receiving payment, scammers disappear by deleting their accounts or changing contact information. Some even abandon their fake websites after collecting enough money. Tracking these individuals is extremely difficult due to their use of disposable communication tools.