Puppy Scams Take Advantage of Your Desire for an Adorable New Puppy at a Really Good Price

Short-lived websites offer popular dog breeds for a fraction of the normal cost which should be a warning sign of scams

As more families look online for a new puppy some opportunists set up temporary sites to advertise purebreds at rock-bottom prices. They collect deposits via wire or gift card then vanish or deliver a sick or nonexistent animal. Genuine breeders and shelters never ask for large upfront fees or non-refundable wire transfers. Learn how to spot fraudulent puppy ads on social media and free classifieds and what to do if you’ve been targeted.

How Puppy Scams Target Buyers

Scammers create look-alike websites or social posts claiming limited litters of golden retrievers, French bulldogs or other high-demand breeds at $200 to $500 instead of the usual $1,500 to $3,000. They promise registration papers, health checks and free shipping. Their sites disappear within days and reappear under new names. They use stock photos and stolen breeder profiles to seem legitimate. Once you pay via wire transfer or a prepaid gift card they cut off contact.

Red Flags of a Puppy Scam

• Wire or gift card payments only, legitimate breeders accept checks, credit cards or in-person cash.
• No in-person visit, breeders should let you tour their facilities and meet the puppies with their mother.
• One photo available, if they refuse to send recent pictures or video calls of the puppy they cannot prove it exists.
• Overseas registration, puppies imported from abroad may face quarantine; be wary if the breeder is located in another country.
• No verifiable contact details, real breeders list a full address and phone number not just a P O Box or free email address.
• High-pressure timeline, claims like “only two left” or “sale ends at midnight” are designed to rush you.

Verifying a Breeder or Seller

Start with the American Kennel Club’s marketplace at AKC or local breed club directories which list verified breeders. Check state kennel club memberships and ask for your breeder’s registration number. Use a reverse image search on puppy photos to see if they appear elsewhere. Call the seller’s listed phone number and confirm the facility address on a map. Genuine breeders welcome questions about lineage health tests and temperament.

Safe Adoption Alternatives

Many puppies and adult dogs await homes in local shelters and rescue groups. Adoption fees of $50 to $200 typically cover vaccinations microchips spay or neuter and health screenings. Visit your county animal shelter or foster-based rescue organization in person. North Carolina residents can search adoptable animals at the Humane Society of the United States directory or contact the North Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Animal Welfare Section at (919) 707-0612 for licensed facility listings.

What to Do If You Encounter a Scam

• Stop communication, do not send more money or personal data
• Report the site or seller to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov
• File a complaint with the North Carolina Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at (919) 814-5400
• Contact your bank immediately to attempt a wire recall or gift card freeze
• Alert local animal shelters and breed clubs so they can warn other prospective adopters

Tips for a Secure Puppy Search

• Use reputable platforms such as Petfinder or Adopt A Pet which verify listings
• Meet puppies in person in a well-lit space with the mother present
• Ask for veterinary health records and proof of age
• Insist on a written sales or adoption contract outlining health guarantees
• Pay only after you see the puppy and confirm all paperwork
• Get a second opinion from a local veterinarian before finalizing any purchase

By researching breeders, insisting on in-person visits and using official adoption channels you can avoid scams and bring home a healthy puppy you will love for years to come.