Scammers are still using some of the most in-demand dog breeds: French bulldogs, dachshunds and German shepherds, to lure people into fake online pet sales, according to new data from the Better Business Bureau. With so many polished websites and social media pages out there, it’s getting harder for buyers to tell what’s real and what’s not.
BBB continues to track thousands of scam sites, including many that copy the names, photos and logos of legitimate breeders. Losses typically reach several hundred dollars, and scammers often pressure victims for more money by claiming the animal will be stuck, hurt or unable to travel without additional payments.
Pet scam reports across North America
Local examples show how far scammers go
One Akron woman agreed to pay $410 for a puppy and delivery. After that, the demands kept coming: $399 for a vet check, $499 for a special crate and $999 for “state-required insurance.” Each time she was promised the money would be refunded. She paid everything they asked, and never saw the puppy or a single dollar back.
A Mansfield buyer had a similar experience. After paying for the puppy and shipping, she was hit with another $680 request for “pet flight insurance,” with a promise of a refund later. She sent the money using PayPal’s “friends and family” option. The dog never arrived, the excuses piled up, and the seller eventually cut off contact.
What to watch for
- Prices that are far below market value
- Sellers who avoid in-person meetings or video calls
- Extra surprise fees for crates, vaccines or insurance
- Use of “teacup” in listings
- High-pressure messages suggesting the animal is in danger
How to avoid getting scammed
BBB recommends seeing the pet in person when possible, or requesting a live video chat showing the specific animal. A reverse image search can also reveal whether the same photos appear on multiple sites. Knowing the typical price for a breed can help spot deals that are too good to be true, and for many buyers, checking a local shelter can be a safer option altogether.
Consumers can research breeders at BBB.org and report suspicious listings to BBB Scam Tracker.
