Puppy Scam Guide

How the scam works

1. Beautiful puppy photos online. Suspiciously low price.
2. "Breeder" emails or texts only. Never video chat.
3. Asks for deposit. Then "shipping fee".
4. Then "special crate". Then "vaccinations". Then "insurance".
5. Each fee comes with a sob story. Each must be sent by gift card or wire.
6. Eventually they go silent. No puppy. No refund.

Red flags

• Price way below typical for breed (real Frenchie = $3,000+, scammers offer $500).
• Refuses to video chat with the puppy.
• Won't let you visit in person.
• Wants payment by Zelle, Cash App, gift card, wire, or crypto.
• "Free puppy, just pay shipping."
• Story keeps escalating with new fees.
• Email addresses with random numbers (puppy.lover.92834@gmail.com).
• Stolen photos — reverse search image on Google. If it appears on multiple sites, it's stolen.

How to find a real puppy/pet

• Petfinder.com + AdoptaPet.com — verified shelters and rescues.
• Local shelter or humane society — visit in person.
• Breed-specific rescue — search "[breed] rescue near me".
• AKC Marketplace for purebred — verifies breeders.
• NEVER buy a pet you can't see in person or video.
• Pay by credit card (chargeback protection) or in cash at pickup.

Reverse image search

1. Save the puppy photo from the listing.
2. Go to images.google.com.
3. Click the camera icon. Upload the photo.
4. Google shows where else that image appears online.
5. If it's on 5 different breeder sites — it's stolen. Walk away.