As heartbreaking as it is, the rise of social media and online marketplaces has opened the door for heartless scammers to exploit animal lovers. Whether you’re hoping to adopt a new puppy or are desperately searching for your lost pet, scammers are ready to take advantage of your emotions and your wallet.
Here’s how to recognize and avoid puppy adoption scams and lost pet scams, and how to protect yourself and your community.
🐶 Puppy Adoption Scams
These scams often target individuals searching for the perfect new family member. Here’s how they typically work:
⚠️ Red Flags:
- Prices that seem too good to be true, especially for purebred or designer dogs
- No phone call or video chat allowed; the scammer insists on texting or emailing only
- Stock photos or reused images copied from other websites
- High-pressure tactics like “Someone else is interested, you need to pay today.”
- Extra fees after the initial payment, such as shipping or crate costs
- The seller isn’t local and won’t allow in-person meet-and-greets
✅ Tips to Stay Safe:
- Adopt locally from a trusted rescue, shelter, or licensed breeder
- Ask for a live video call to see the puppy and their surroundings
- Avoid wire transfers, Venmo, or gift cards — use secure, trackable payments
- Search the images and email address to check for scam reports
- Trust your instincts if something feels off
🐾 Lost Pet Scams
Losing a beloved pet is incredibly stressful, and scammers use that emotional vulnerability to their advantage. These scams often show up soon after you post about your missing pet online.
⚠️ Common Tactics:
- Someone claims they’ve found your pet and demands money before returning it
- You get a vague message like “We found your dog, but we need a code to confirm you’re the owner.”
- They ask for a 6-digit Google Voice code — a trick to hijack your phone number
- Fake reward seekers who won’t send proof or clear photos of your pet
✅ How to Protect Yourself:
- Never share verification codes or personal information online
- Ask for a photo of your pet with a timestamp or unique detail
- Never send reward money until your pet is safely back with you
- Report suspicious messages to local law enforcement and scam watch groups
🛡️ Stay Alert, Stay Kind, Stay Smart
These scams don’t just harm individuals — they damage the reputation of real rescues, ethical breeders, and others working hard to protect animals. Every dollar stolen by a scammer is one less for animals truly in need.
If you’re ever unsure, reach out to a local rescue, shelter, or veterinary clinic for help verifying a listing or tip. It’s always better to double-check than to become a victim.
Let’s work together to stop the scammers and stand up for the animals. Share this post with your friends and community — you might help someone avoid a costly mistake or a broken heart.
