Beware of Online Puppy Scams: Is Your Dream Dog a Deceit?

If you’ve recently decided to add a dog to your family, beware that your search might lead you straight to scammers.

Puppy ads frequently appear on various pet sales websites, online marketplaces, and social media platforms. While many are legitimate, a significant number are deceptive, offering fictional furry companions.

The primary scam involves advertising a nonexistent pet. After paying a deposit, possibly following a conversation or a video call with the “seller,” the buyer ends up with nothing. Although a collection location might be provided, arriving there only leads to disappointment.

Kate Margolis from the Cotswolds, England, fell victim to this scam while searching for a golden retriever puppy.

“At the time, I wasn’t very knowledgeable, so I just searched for ‘golden retriever breeder’ online and found what seemed to be a reputable website complete with glowing reviews, professional photos, and apparent credentials and licenses,” she explains.

“I filled out an online form, and the breeder contacted me almost immediately. They seemed knowledgeable and explained everything using the correct terminology, which I was unfamiliar with but it made me trust them. They mentioned the puppies were expected by Christmas and would be ready by February, but I had to pay a deposit to reserve one,” she recalls.

She transferred £500, but then the seller ceased communication. “When I finally got hold of them, they claimed the puppy I had reserved had ‘eaten plastic and died’. After that, they disappeared. I was left without a puppy, without answers, and without a refund,” she says.

“Since then, I’ve learned that my experience isn’t unique … Scammers often create fake ads using stolen photos of puppies, concoct emotional stories, and use every trick to get your money quickly.”

Margolis has now developed an app called Petproov, which helps UK sellers and buyers verify identities and paperwork.

Identifying the Scam

The advertisement might seem legitimate, complete with detailed descriptions and photos of the animal. The seller might claim that only one puppy is left from a litter, urging you to act quickly.

You might receive answers to all your queries and even have a chance to “meet” the animal via a video call. When it’s time to make a payment, you’ll likely be asked to use a bank transfer.

Steps to Take

Opt for reputable adoption services, rehoming charities, and breeders. Although the UK Kennel Club has discontinued its Approved Breeder programme, you can still conduct thorough research.

Ask extensive questions. The Kennel Club provides a guide on what to inquire about and what paperwork should be available. The RSPCA also advises that a trustworthy breeder should be willing to fill out a Puppy Contract detailing the specifics of the animal you intend to purchase.

Verify if the puppy’s photo has been used elsewhere. Scammers frequently lift images from other websites for their ads, and a reverse image search can reveal if the photo has been posted previously.

Make arrangements to visit the puppy in person along with its mother before committing to anything. Avoid rushing into payments just to secure a visit.

“Be wary of phrases like ‘Can you pay now to hold the puppy?’ These are typical warning signs,” Margolis advises. “Trust your instincts. If something seems off, it likely is.”

Margolis also recommends checking IDs. “A legitimate breeder should have no issue showing their ID, the vet records, and microchipping proof of the puppy,” she adds.