Buying Puppies Online Scams Access
: They may claim the puppy is popular and will be sold immediately unless you pay a deposit now.
Buying a puppy online requires extreme caution, as the reports that roughly 80% of sponsored pet advertisements online may be fraudulent. Scammers often use professional-looking websites and stolen images to sell non-existent pets. 1. Major Red Flags of Online Puppy Scams
: Once you pay, they may demand additional money for "emergency" shipping insurance, specialized crates, or climate-controlled transport. 2. How to Verify a Seller's Legitimacy buying puppies online scams
: They will make excuses to avoid in-person meetings or live video calls, often claiming they are out of town or in a different country.
: Google the seller’s name, website, and phone number alongside terms like "scam" or "complaint". Check Professional Credentials : : They may claim the puppy is popular
: Right-click the puppy's photo and select "Search image with Google" to see if it appears on other websites or stock photo galleries.
: Insist on a video call (FaceTime, Zoom) where the seller shows you the puppy in real-time. How to Verify a Seller's Legitimacy : They
: Legitimate breeders will be happy to discuss the puppy's lineage, health records, and parents. How to avoid online puppy scams