Royal Puppy Love Knowledge Center

How to Avoid Online Puppy Scams

A practical verification checklist for spotting stolen photos, fake shipping stories, unsafe payments, and sellers who do not actually have a puppy.

Slow Down Before You Send Money

Puppy scams work because the pictures create an emotional connection and the seller creates urgency. A beautiful puppy, a bargain price, and a warning that someone else is ready to pay can push a careful person into acting too quickly. Your best protection is a repeatable verification process.

The Two Calls to Make First

Ask for the breeder’s veterinarian and groomer—their names and locations—then find the phone numbers yourself. Do not rely on a number sent by the seller. Call each business independently and ask whether they know the breeder, routinely see the dogs, and would feel comfortable recommending the breeder.

A person who raises puppies should have an established veterinary relationship. Breeds requiring regular coat care also normally have a grooming relationship or a clear, credible explanation of how grooming is handled. A seller who refuses to identify either professional, pressures you not to call, or provides contacts who cannot be independently verified deserves extra scrutiny.

Confirm the Puppy Exists

  • Request a live video call, not only a prerecorded clip. Ask to see the puppy respond in real time and to see the mother when appropriate.
  • Ask for a new photo with a specific harmless detail, such as today’s date written on paper beside the puppy.
  • Use a reverse-image search. If the same photograph appears under different breeder names, cities, or puppy names, stop.
  • Search the business name, phone number, email address, and distinctive phrases from the listing with words such as scam, complaint, and review.
  • Confirm claimed registrations or professional affiliations directly with the issuing organization.

Price and Shipping Red Flags

A price that is dramatically below the normal range for the breed should trigger more verification, not excitement. An advertised total under $1,000 including delivery is especially suspicious: professional puppy transportation alone can begin around $500 for a small puppy and may cost more depending on route and timing.

Fake sellers often invent a second “shipping company” that demands money for a special crate, insurance, temperature control, permits, or refundable fees. Verify any transportation provider independently and speak with the breeder by phone before paying.

Pay in a Way You Can Trace

Use a credit or debit card or another payment method that creates a clear record and offers meaningful dispute procedures. Never let a stranger require gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment-app transfers. Be cautious with Cash App, Venmo, money orders, and cashier’s checks when buying from someone you have not independently verified.

Before paying, save the puppy listing, written terms, invoice, seller identity, and all communications. Confirm what the payment reserves, whether it is refundable, the remaining balance deadline, and what happens if either party cannot complete the sale.

One Green Flag Is Not Enough

A polished website, social-media history, registration logo, or friendly phone conversation can be copied or fabricated. Look for a consistent identity across the website, veterinarian, groomer, public records, health documents, live video, and payment recipient. The name receiving your money should make sense in relation to the breeder or business you verified.

If You Suspect a Scam

Stop payment if possible, contact your card issuer or payment service immediately, preserve screenshots and messages, report the listing to the platform, and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

A real breeder will understand careful questions. A scammer needs you to hurry.

Authoritative Sources

This article provides general educational information and is not veterinary, legal, or financial advice.

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