Puppy Scammers

How to Spot a Puppy Scam


Puppy Scammers are all over facebook, craigslist and Kijiji. They have  specific “tells” they use in order to take your money.

Here is what their scam looks like.


The scammer posts puppy pictures on a Toller Page on Facebook.



If you comment, the scammer will tell you to PM them. They won’t discuss on the public page.


 


I messaged them as if I wanted to buy.

Notice how the scammer asked where I was located. It is important to the scam that you get the feeling that you can pick up the puppy soon.



The scammer supposedly lives in Canada but these pups were registered with the AKC (American Kennel Club). This is unusual.  They should have been registered with the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).



Breeders asking for deposits is not unusual. However, they will not ask for a deposit without meeting you in person first.



The scammer does not want to give out their address to receive the  deposit.



The scammer creates urgency by telling you that there is only one puppy of each left and they are in demand. You had better hurry!



Never e-transfer money to any breeder without meeting them and seeing their kennel.