Seven signs of a pet scam.
Pet scams cost families money and heartbreak. Most follow the same few patterns. Here is what to look for.
They want a deposit to hold the pet
The seller wants money by bank transfer or app to "hold" a puppy or kitten before someone else takes it. Real shelters never ask for a deposit before you meet.
They will only send the pet by courier
They offer to send the animal to your door, so you never meet. Very often, the animal does not exist.
They will not video call or meet
There is always a reason you cannot visit, and they will not do a short video call with the pet.
They want payment you cannot get back
Gift cards, crypto, money transfer services or a personal bank transfer. Once sent, the money is gone.
New fees keep appearing
After the first payment, the "courier" says you must pay for a special crate, insurance or an urgent vaccine.
The photos are copied
The photos come from a real rescue somewhere else. Search the photo online before you pay anything.
The website is brand new
Scammers copy a real rescue’s logo onto a site made a few weeks ago. Check the charity number yourself.
A real adoption always looks like this
- ✓ You meet the animal before you pay anything.
- ✓ You get the vet records and the vet’s contact details.
- ✓ You sign a written agreement that says the animal can come back if needed.
- ✓ The microchip is moved into your name on an official chip database.