Puppy Scams Cost Americans $1 Million This Year: 5 Red Flags To Know Before Buying a Dog Online
If you didn’t get a puppy for Christmas, you might be looking to get one after the holiday. Be careful, though — searching for a dog online can expose you to scammers.
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According to a report from Veterinarians.org, Americans have lost $1 million to “puppy scams” from January through October 2023. These scams occur when individuals attempt to adopt or purchase a puppy online and instead end up dealing with fraudsters who promise a puppy, but never deliver once fees are paid. These scams are often found on online marketplaces like Facebook and Craiglist.
To avoid a puppy scam, look out for these warning signs that an online listing might not be legitimate.
The Seller Doesn’t Allow You To See the Puppy Before Your Purchase
As a prospective dog parent, you will likely want to meet your puppy before taking it home. If a seller does not allow this, this is likely a warning sign of a scam, according to Veterinarians.org. In addition, if they only have one or two photos available, this can also be a warning sign of a scam.
If you feel like a posting might not be legitimate, try running a reverse image search on Google Images to see if the photo being used is a stock image. Additionally, you can request a photo or video with a sign with your name or the date to ensure the seller really has the dog they are advertising.
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The Seller Asks for Payment via Wire Transfer, Digital Money App or Gift Card
If the seller requests you to pay them through Western Union, MoneyGram, a digital money app like Zelle or Cash App, or via a gift card, this is likely a sign of a scam.
Scammers prefer these methods because these types of payments are hard to recover. Ideally, you should use a form of payment that will protect you from potential fraud, such as a credit card.
The Seller Keeps Asking for Additional Payments
While there are a number of fees that can come with adopting or buying a puppy, a legitimate seller will be transparent about these fees upfront. If they continue to request more money for items like a crate for shipping, vaccinations, transportation insurance or life insurance that they did not initially disclose, this is a sign that it could be a scam.
According to Veterinarians.org, “In many cases, fraudulent emails will claim the shipping costs/crate rental fees will be refunded upon the puppy’s delivery. However, they never are.”
The Seller Cannot Provide You With Basic Information About the Puppy
Beware if a breeder’s site or posting is missing essential information, including information about the father/mother of the litter and health records.
The Price Seems Too Good To Be True
Certain in-demand breeds can get pricey. If the cost of a puppy seems very low for its breed, this is a clear warning sign of a scam.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Puppy Scams Cost Americans $1 Million This Year: 5 Red Flags To Know Before Buying a Dog Online