Buying Puppies | Online Scams

: Scammers demand payment via wire transfers ( Western Union , MoneyGram), gift cards, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer apps like Zelle or Venmo that offer little to no buyer protection.

: Google the seller’s name, website, and phone number alongside terms like "scam" or "complaint". Check Professional Credentials : buying puppies online scams

: Insist on a video call (FaceTime, Zoom) where the seller shows you the puppy in real-time. : Scammers demand payment via wire transfers (

: They may claim the puppy is popular and will be sold immediately unless you pay a deposit now. : They may claim the puppy is popular

Verify breeders through official organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) . Check for business ratings and reported scams on BBB.org .

: They will make excuses to avoid in-person meetings or live video calls, often claiming they are out of town or in a different country.