Recognize A Puppy Scammer
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We are so thrilled you have decided a puppy is right for you and that you are ready to search for your perfect pet. Please review this information closely if you are searching to purchase a particular breed of puppy or dog directly from a dog breeder. This information is not limited to puppies. There are scammers for all kinds of animals.
Key things to watch out for to avoid being puppy scammed
Unrealistically Low Prices: Be cautious of advertisements or sellers offering puppies at unusually low prices. While it's tempting to find a great deal, extremely low prices are a red flag for a scam. Take the time to research the breed that you are searching for first. Know the average prices that breeders are charging for this breed first.
Requests for Wire Transfers or Prepaid Cards: Scammers often request payment via wire transfers or prepaid gift cards, as these methods are difficult to trace and provide them with quick access to funds. Legitimate breeders or sellers will typically offer secure payment options.
Lack of Communication: If the seller avoids phone calls (many times the person is out of the country and wants to hide their phone number), video chats, or in-person meetings and only communicates through email or text, it's a warning sign. Genuine breeders will want to engage in direct communication and provide additional information and answer questions.
Incomplete or Suspicious Documentation: Scammers may provide incomplete or fabricated paperwork, such as incomplete vaccination records or fake registration papers. Verify the authenticity of any documentation provided and cross-check the information with reputable sources.
No Visitations or Refusal to Show the Puppy's Environment: Legitimate breeders will allow you to visit to see the puppy and the breeding environment. If the seller refuses or makes excuses to avoid visitations, it's probably a scam.
Poor Quality or Stolen Photos: Scammers often use stock photos or steal pictures from other websites or breeders' listings, and use those pictures to entice you. Request to see the puppy in person, at minimum the breeder should be able to do a live phone video with you (such as facetime or zoom).
Shipping and Delivery Issues: Some scammers offer to ship the puppy to you, and with excessive shipping fees. A good breeder DOES NOT SHIP puppies. This would not be safe for the puppy.
Trust Your Gut: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Take the time to thoroughly research the breeder or seller, read reviews or testimonials, and reach out to reputable sources or local authorities for advice.
It's essential to do thorough research, ask for references, and work with reputable breeders or adoption centers to minimize the risk of falling victim to a puppy scam.
TRAITS OF A RESPONSIBLE DOG BREEDER
A responsible breeder will happily meet with you, show you where the puppies live, how the dogs spend their time.
They will take an interest that their puppy will be going to a good home, and help you to select the right puppy for you.
A good breeder will be up front with the costs involved and what to expect.
Good breeders will keep their puppies in a clean, and appropriately spaced environment that meets the puppies needs in their own house to care for them.
Good breeders DO NOT ship puppies! This is not safe for the puppy.
DO NOT:
Don’t buy a puppy from a pet store
Pet stores purchase puppies from puppy mills and not from a reputable breeder.
Don't wire money, send gift cards, or use a cash app such as Venmo, Zelle, or CashApp.
These are not traceable and your money will be lost in a scam.
CONSIDERATIONS:
Consider puppy or dog adoption from a local dog rescue or shelter
You get to meet the dog, pay less money, and save a dog's life.
Keep thorough records of all your communications with a breeder
Take screenshots original advertisement, information about the breeder, and all written communications you have had with the breeder. Keep copies of any contracts or agreements made, the breeder’s refund policy, any health guarantees, health certificates, proof of veterinary exams and vaccinations, and registration information.
If you have found a puppy scammer or if you think you have been scammed, report it!
The Consumer Protection Office for your state
Puppy buyer complaint form- The Humane Society Of The United States