Pet Scams
Scammers exploit the emotional appeal of pets online, using fake ads to steal money and personal information.
Overview
Online pet purchases and adoptions surged during the pandemic as people sought companionship at home. Unfortunately, fraudsters have taken advantage of this trend by creating pet scams that lure animal lovers with fraudulent listings, stolen photos, and elaborate stories — all designed to trick victims into sending money for pets that don’t exist.
These scams can be emotionally and financially painful. Knowing how they work and how to spot them is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones.
How This Scam Operates
Pet scams typically begin with a fake advertisement on social media, marketplace sites, or search engines. Scammers use stolen photos and heart‑tugging stories to make the listing appear legitimate. When potential buyers show interest, they are encouraged to pay upfront fees for things like:
“Shipping and handling”
“Pet insurance”
“Crates or specialized travel carriers”
“Medical check‑ups or vaccinations”
Victims may continue to be asked for more money for reasons ranging from customs charges to crate upgrades — often until communication ends and the scammer disappears.
Free or Deeply Discounted Pets
Scammers advertise pets at unusually low prices or even for free, only to demand shipping or processing fees. These offers often seem too good to be true and are a common tactic to attract unsuspecting buyers.
Fake Adoption or Seller Websites
Some fraudsters set up entire websites that look professional and convincing, complete with adorable photos and fake breeder profiles. These sites can appear in search results and social media ads, but once payment is made, the pet never arrives.
Non‑Delivery After Payment
Even when a scammer shares photos or sends fake tracking numbers, the pet is never delivered. They may use excuses such as delays due to paperwork or health checks to extract more money before disappearing.
Pet Scam Red Flags
Be cautious if:
The pet is listed far below market value for the breed.
The seller refuses in‑person visits or video chats and insists on email/text only.
Payment methods include wires, gift cards, or untraceable transfers.
Grammar and spelling in emails or ads are poor.
Shipment or delivery is continually delayed with new “required” fees.
The seller’s contact information is incomplete or unverifiable.
If a deal feels rushed, vague, or too good to be true, it likely is.
Protecting Yourself When Looking for a Pet
To reduce your risk:
- Do research first: Look up seller names and website URLs to see if complaints or warnings exist.
- Meet before paying: If possible, meet the pet in person or use video calls to confirm it exists and matches the photos.
- Use secure payment methods: Prefer credit cards or trusted payment platforms; avoid MoneyGram, Western Union, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
- Check photos: Perform a reverse image search to see if the photo is used elsewhere.
- Choose reputable sources: Consider local shelters or rescue organizations instead of private sellers online.
- Verify credentials: Ask for breeder documentation, pedigree records, or vet certificates, and confirm them with the issuing bodies.
These steps help ensure your money and personal information stay safe.
Steps After a Pet Scam
If you suspect you’ve encountered a pet scam:
- Stop all communication immediately.
- Document all records: save messages, ads, and any payment receipts.
- Contact your bank or payment provider to dispute charges if possible.
- Report the scam: alert consumer protection agencies like the FTC or website moderators.
- Warn others: share details on review sites or social media so others don’t fall victim.
Taking action helps protect others and may assist authorities in tracking scammers.
Get Help After a Pet Scam
Being tricked while looking for a beloved companion is upsetting and costly. If you’ve experienced a pet scam, you don’t have to handle it alone.
At YourScamReport.com, we offer a free and confidential consultation to help you understand what happened and explore options for recovery and support.
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