Trust & Safety5 min read
Spotting pet scams and fake rescues
Draft guide
Seven warning signs in online pet ads, and why real groups never ask for money before you meet.
01
Sign 1: they want a deposit to "hold" the pet
Scammers ask for gift cards or bank transfers to "hold" a puppy or kitten before you visit.
02
Sign 2: they will only send the pet by courier
Real rehoming means meeting face to face. Never agree to a courier delivery.
03
Sign 3: the photos are copied
Search the photo online. Fake sites copy photos from real shelters.
When to call a vet straight away
If you bought an animal that arrived unwell, take it to a vet now. They can check its health and scan for a microchip.