A Free Public Service

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, California.

March 21, 2023

PUPPY SCAM

Attribution: American Kennel Club

Almost everyone uses the internet for shopping, including finding a new puppy!

What is a Puppy Scam?

Puppy scammers post fake litter pictures online, or pretend to be someone they are not, to take advantage of puppy sales. This means that you could find the perfect puppy, send the ‘breeder’ your money, and never receive a puppy or any follow-up communication in return.

What are the Red Flags?

*No phone calls. The seller prefers to handle communication by email and not the phone. A reputable breeder will always communicate with you via phone or video chat (if not in person) before selling you a puppy.

*Copycat or stock photos. Photos of the dog or ad text can be found on multiple websites. Search for the text in the listing to see if the seller copied and pasted it from another site.

*Sketchy payment. The seller asks for wiring of money or payment by gift cards. Be aware that if you choose a non-secure method of payment, it is highly unlikely that you will get your money back.

*Avoid paying a stranger using apps such as Venmo, as it is harder to get your money back if you don’t get what you paid for.

 *Paying by credit card or PayPal are typically the safest options.

*Price is too good to be true. Research the prices for the breed you are considering ahead of time.

*Breeder “badges.” American Kennel Club does not distribute badges to breeders.

*Ensure that before receiving your puppy, you receive documentation of your dog’s papers. The words “American Kennel Club” as well as the AKC logo should be clearly visible. If the breeder or puppy seller hesitates to give you papers, this is usually a warning sign.

How Can I Safely Find a Breeder or Puppy Seller Online?

The AKC Marketplace is one of the best places to start your search for a puppy, if you are vigilant about warning signs. AKC Marketplace conducts

thousands of kennel inspections a year and is the only online resource to exclusively list 100% puppies from AKC-registerable litters. If you find anything suspicious while searching for a dog on AKC Marketplace, report the details to akcmarketplace@akc.org.

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