14 Tips To Spot And Avoid Online Pet Scams 

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Gray cat being held gently by its owner outdoors, with greenery in the background.
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Purchasing a pet online can be thrilling, but it also brings the risk of scams that target eager pet owners. As more fraudulent websites and social media pages appear, it’s crucial to exercise caution when making this important decision. When adopting a dog, cat, or any pet, it’s vital to recognize common red flags and learn how to stay safe. Here are 14 helpful tips to help you identify and avoid online pet scams, ensuring you welcome a healthy, happy pet into your home without falling for tricks or scams.

1. Look Out For Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices

Sale cards
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If a pet is listed for an unusually low price, it’s often a major red flag. Scammers use low prices to attract buyers who may be eager or desperate to find a pet. Purebred puppies or kittens being offered at a fraction of the typical price are likely scams. These prices often come with hidden catches, so it’s important to stay cautious. Reputable breeders and pet sellers charge reasonable prices based on the pet’s breed, health, and care. If an offer seems too good to be true, it’s worth asking more questions before proceeding.

2. Verify The Seller’s Contact Information

Person having a phone call
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Always check that the seller has legitimate contact information before making any payment. Some sellers may provide minimal or fake contact details to hide their true identity. If you can only reach the seller via an anonymous email or social media account without any clear verification, proceed with caution. A reliable breeder or seller will provide multiple contact methods, such as a phone number, physical address, and verified social media profiles. Take time to cross-check these details by researching the seller online, and verifying that they match the contact information shared on their website or platform.

3. Examine Pet Photos Carefully

Puggle puppy sleeping on a carpet.
Torsten Dettlaff/Pexels

Scammers often use stolen or stock photos of pets, making it appear that they have the real deal. They may showcase attractive images to lure you into a hasty decision. You can check if the photos are real by using a reverse image search, like Google Images. If the same photos appear on various websites, it’s a strong indication that the seller is using misleading images. Reputable sellers typically share current photos or videos of the pet in their actual environment, showing off the pet’s personality and giving you a clearer idea of what to expect.

4. Avoid Sellers Who Pressure You To Act Fast

Man in Blue and Brown Plaid Dress Shirt Touching His Hair
Nathan Cowley/Pexels

A common tactic used in scams is to pressure buyers into acting quickly. If a seller urges you to make a decision immediately, it’s often a sign that something is off. Scammers may claim that there are other interested buyers or that the pet is “the last one available,” creating a sense of urgency. This tactic aims to push you into a quick decision. Trustworthy sellers will give you time to consider your choice and won’t rush you into committing. If you feel pressured, step back and reconsider the situation before proceeding.

5. Check For Proper Health Certifications

Photo Of Person Holding Paper And Pen
MART PRODUCTION/Pexels

A reputable breeder or seller will willingly share health certifications and veterinary records that demonstrate the pet’s health status. These documents should provide details about vaccinations, checkups, and any treatments the pet has received. These certifications are crucial to ensure the pet’s well-being and protect you from scams. Always ask to see the pet’s medical history and verify that it is free of any health problems. Sellers who offer vague or incomplete health information may be hiding medical issues, so it’s important to request full documentation and confirmation of the pet’s health.

6. Use Trusted Platforms For Pet Adoption

woman browsing smartphone in room
Sam Lion/Pexels

To avoid online pet scams, always use established and trustworthy platforms like Petfinder, Adopt-a-Pet, or breed-specific rescue organizations. These platforms have systems in place to ensure that the listings are real and safe. They offer clear descriptions of pets, easy-to-follow adoption processes, and links to their credentials, making it easier to verify the legitimacy of the listings. Scammers tend to target lesser-known or unregulated websites, so using reputable adoption platforms can significantly reduce the risk of falling for a scam. Stick to well-known platforms for peace of mind during the adoption process.

7. Question The Payment Methods

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Maria_Domnina/Pixabay

Scammers prefer using untraceable payment methods, such as wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, to make it difficult for buyers to recover their money. If a seller insists on using these types of payments, it’s a serious warning sign. Trustworthy sellers will offer secure payment options like credit cards, PayPal, or escrow services, all of which provide buyer protection. These methods allow you to track the transaction and dispute charges if something goes wrong. If the seller insists on an untraceable form of payment, it’s best to walk away and look for a more legitimate seller.

8. Inspect The Seller’s Website For Red Flags

Woman in White Shirt Sitting by the Table
Yan Krukau/Pexels

Before proceeding with a purchase, take time to inspect the seller’s website carefully. Reputable breeders or rescue organizations usually maintain professional, well-organized websites with clear contact information, transparent policies, and safe payment options. Be wary of sites that feature broken links, poor grammar, or missing information, as these could be indicators of a scam. Trustworthy sellers often display testimonials or reviews from past customers, which help verify their reputation. If the website appears rushed or lacks essential details, it’s better to proceed with caution and consider alternative options to avoid potential scams.

9. Research The Breeder’s Reputation

Man with Eyeglasses Using a Laptop while Sitting on a Chair
Diva Plavalaguna/Pexels

To protect yourself from online pet scams, it’s important to research the reputation of the breeder or seller. Reliable breeders and rescue groups typically have positive reviews and testimonials from previous buyers. Search for reviews on reputable websites, breed-specific forums, and social media platforms. Don’t hesitate to ask the breeder for references or contact previous buyers to learn about their experiences. Scammers often lack a credible reputation and may create fake testimonials to appear trustworthy. A breeder with a lack of online presence or poor reviews should raise red flags and prompt you to seek alternatives.

10. Beware Of Pet Delivery Claims

Cat in box
katya-guseva0/Pixabay

Some scammers claim they can ship a pet to you, often from distant locations or other countries, as part of their scam. While some breeders offer shipping, be cautious when extra fees for delivery or customs appear. Scammers use this tactic to take your money without delivering the pet. To avoid being scammed, insist on meeting the pet in person before making any payments. If the seller refuses to meet or pressures you to finalize the deal without a face-to-face meeting, it’s likely a scam. Always verify that the pet is real before committing to any purchases.

11. Don’t Fall For Emotional Manipulation

Worried young woman covering face with hand
Liza Summer/Pexels

Scammers often exploit your emotions to pressure you into making quick decisions. They might claim that a pet urgently needs a new home or has been abandoned, playing on your compassion. It’s natural to feel empathy for animals in distress, but it’s important to remain calm and rational when making decisions. Reputable breeders or rescues will provide you with detailed information and give you the time you need to make an informed choice. If you feel rushed or manipulated into acting immediately, it’s best to take a step back and carefully assess the situation before moving forward.

12. Look For A Clear Return Policy

businessman giving contract to woman to sign
Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

Before purchasing a pet, ensure that the seller provides a clear return or refund policy. This is crucial in case the pet has health problems or doesn’t adjust well to your home. A trustworthy seller will be open about their return policy, ensuring that you are covered if the pet doesn’t meet expectations. Scammers typically don’t offer any return options, leaving buyers with no recourse if something goes wrong. Before committing to a purchase, thoroughly check the seller’s return policy. If they are unwilling to share this information, it’s a red flag that you should not ignore.

13. Trust Your Gut Feeling

Crying upset black female with tissue
Liza Summer/Pexels

Trusting your instincts is one of the best ways to avoid a scam. If something feels off about the seller, the pet’s condition, or the price, it’s worth listening to that gut feeling. Scammers often present deals that seem too good to be true, but if anything feels wrong or raises doubts, take a moment to reconsider. Pay attention to the seller’s communication, the pet’s health, and the overall offer. If you don’t feel comfortable or the transaction feels suspicious, it’s better to walk away and find a more trustworthy source for your pet.

14. Stay Informed About Common Scams

Close-Up Shot of a Person Writing on a Paper Using a Ballpen
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Staying informed is one of the best ways to avoid falling for online pet scams. By educating yourself on the latest scam tactics and how to recognize them, you’ll be better equipped to spot fraudulent activity. Join online pet communities, read blogs, and follow forums to learn about common scams and share experiences with others. Staying up to date will help you identify warning signs early and avoid potential fraud. The more knowledge you gain about these scams, the more confident you’ll feel in making informed, safe decisions when adopting or purchasing pets online.

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