Puppy Scam Red Flags and How to Avoid Them

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20264 min read

Millions of people search for puppies online, and scammers know it. A cute photo, a low price and a sad story are all it takes to trick eager buyers into sending money for a puppy that does not exist. Scams cost people money and heartbreak, and they are common enough that every buyer should know the signs.

How puppy scams work

A typical scam goes like this:

1. A seller posts an irresistible listing with attractive photos, often of popular breeds.
2. You contact the seller and get quick, friendly replies.
3. The seller asks for a deposit to hold the puppy, often by a method that is hard to trace.
4. After you pay, new fees appear, such as for shipping, insurance, a special crate or vaccinations.
5. The puppy never arrives, and the seller disappears or keeps asking for more.

Some scams also involve real but sick puppies from questionable sources.

Red flags

In the listing

• The price is far lower than similar puppies.
• The photos look professional, repeated across several ads or taken from other sites.
• The description is generic or copy-pasted, with poor grammar.
• The seller has multiple breeds or "rare" colors that command high prices.
• The seller's contact details are only an email or messaging app.

In the conversation

• The seller will not talk by phone or video, or the video seems staged.
• They claim to be abroad, working or on a mission and unable to meet.
• They give urgent reasons to pay quickly, such as "other buyers are waiting."
• They have a sad story about why they are selling.
• They avoid answering specific questions about the puppies, parents and health.

In the payment

• They ask for payment by wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency or money transfer apps.
• They want payment before you have seen the puppy.
• They ask for extra fees for shipping, insurance, customs, vaccinations or "climate-controlled crates."
• They refuse a payment method with buyer protection.

In the delivery

• They offer to ship the puppy to you without a meeting.
• They arrange pickup at an airport or a pet transport service that you cannot verify.
• They refuse to let you collect in person.

How to verify a seller

1. Run a reverse image search on the photos to see where else they appear.
2. Ask for a live video call where the puppies and mother are shown, and ask them to do something specific, like show a particular object.
3. Search the seller's name, phone number and email with words like "scam."
4. Ask for references and actually contact them.
5. Check with breed clubs or rescue groups to see if the seller is known.
6. Ask for health test results and microchip numbers and check them.
7. Visit in person whenever possible.

Our guides on finding a responsible breeder and buying a puppy online safely explain legitimate alternatives.

Safer ways to pay

• Pay only after you have met the puppy or verified the seller through a live video.
• Use payment methods with buyer protection, such as a credit card or a service that offers dispute resolution.
• Never pay by gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
• Keep records of all communications and payments.

Fake rescue and fake breeder scams

Scammers also pose as rescues or breeders, using emotional stories. Be cautious of any "rescue" that asks for large payments upfront, will not allow visits or has no record in your area. Verify registrations and contact details with official sources.

If you have been scammed

1. Stop all communication and payments.
2. Contact your bank or payment provider immediately to ask about chargebacks or recall.
3. Report the scam to your local consumer protection or fraud reporting agency.
4. Report the listing to the platform where you found it.
5. Warn others by sharing your experience with local breed or rescue groups.
6. Be wary of follow-up scams, where fraudsters pose as recovery services.

Protect yourself with patience

Scammers rely on urgency and emotion. Slow down, ask questions and be prepared to walk away. If a puppy seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you are comfortable waiting, a responsible breeder or rescue will be worth it. See how to spot a puppy mill or backyard breeder for related warning signs.

The takeaway

Never send money for a puppy you have not seen, verify everything you can and trust your instincts. A little suspicion can save you a lot of heartache.