TL;DR: A puppy scam advertises a purebred puppy for sale online, collects payment and shipping fees, and never delivers an actual animal. Insist on a live video call with the puppy and seller before paying anything, never pay via wire transfer or gift card, and try to visit in person if at all possible.
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A puppy scam advertises a purebred puppy for sale online, collects payment and shipping fees, and never delivers an actual animal.
How Puppy Scams Works
Scammers use stolen photos of real puppies, offer an attractively low price, and after collecting an initial payment, invent additional fees (special crate, insurance, vet costs) before disappearing without ever delivering an animal.
Warning Signs to Watch For
A price well below what that breed normally costs, refusal to do a video call with the actual puppy, and requests for additional fees after the initial payment.
How to Protect Yourself
Insist on a live video call with the puppy and seller before paying anything, never pay via wire transfer or gift card, and try to visit in person if at all possible.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading What Is Quishing (QR Code Phishing)? How It Works and How to Protect Yourself.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see What Is Rental Scams? How It Works and How to Protect Yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Puppy Scams?
A puppy scam advertises a purebred puppy for sale online, collects payment and shipping fees, and never delivers an actual animal.
How does Puppy Scams typically work?
Scammers use stolen photos of real puppies, offer an attractively low price, and after collecting an initial payment, invent additional fees (special crate, insurance, vet costs) before disappearing without ever delivering an animal.
What are the warning signs of Puppy Scams?
A price well below what that breed normally costs, refusal to do a video call with the actual puppy, and requests for additional fees after the initial payment.
How can I protect myself from Puppy Scams?
Insist on a live video call with the puppy and seller before paying anything, never pay via wire transfer or gift card, and try to visit in person if at all possible.
What should I do if I think I’ve encountered Puppy Scams?
Stop responding immediately, do not click any links or share information, and report it to the appropriate authority. If money or personal information was already shared, act quickly to secure your accounts and report the incident.