What payment methods should I avoid when buying a puppy online?

Avoid PayPal Friends & Family, bank transfers, and gift cards as they offer no buyer protection. Always use the platform's official payment system.

How can I verify if a puppy listing is legitimate?

Insist on meeting the puppy and breeder in person, ask for video calls with the puppy, request to see the parents and living conditions, and verify breeder credentials.

What should I do if I've already sent money to a suspected scammer?

Contact your payment provider immediately (though recovery is unlikely with certain methods). Report the scam to Action Fraud and the listing platform.

Why do puppy scams often use stock photos?

Scammers use stock photos or stolen images because they don't actually have the puppies. Reverse image search can help identify these fake listings.

Puppy Scam Alert

Beware of sophisticated scams targeting pet lovers on classified sites

The Puppy Scam Explained

Would you trust an adorable puppy listing from what appears to be a legitimate breeder? Scammers are exploiting pet lovers’ emotions by creating convincing listings on platforms like Pets4Homes , only to disappear after receiving payment through untraceable methods.

Warning: Scammers often refuse to use platform payment systems and insist on PayPal Friends & Family, bank transfers, or gift cards.

How the Scam Works

You find an attractive puppy listing at a suspiciously low price
The seller claims they can’t take payment through the platform
They insist on PayPal Friends & Family, bank transfer, or gift cards
After payment, communication stops and the puppy never arrives
The listing and seller account may disappear shortly after

Found a suspicious listing?

Report it to the platform immediately to protect other potential victims.

How to Protect Yourself

Do:

Insist on meeting the puppy and breeder in person
Use the platform’s official payment system
Ask for video calls with the puppy
Request to see the puppy’s parents and living conditions
Check breeder credentials and reviews carefully

Don’t:

Pay via PayPal Friends & Family (no buyer protection)
Send money via bank transfer or gift cards
Trust listings with stock photos or copied images
Feel pressured by “limited time offers”
Ignore red flags because of emotional attachment

If you already sent money: Contact your payment provider immediately (though recovery is unlikely with certain payment methods). Report the scam to Action Fraud and the listing platform.

Report a Puppy Scam

Real Example

How the scam unfolds

Attractive Listing

You find a cute puppy listing at a great price, often with professional-looking photos.

Payment Request

The seller says they can’t use platform payments and insists on alternative methods.

Excuses Begin

After payment, they make excuses about delivery and ask for more money.

Disappearance

Communication stops and the listing (often their entire account) vanishes.

Search Suspicious Number