10 Easy Ways To Detect Puppy Scams

Adopting a dog from a shelter is always advisable. But if you have your heart set on a certain breed or age, you may need to purchase a dog. If you’re going to do that, here are some common scams to avoid.

1. Free Dog, Paid Shipping. This is especially common on Craigslist. Sellers will claim a dog is free, request payment for shipping via an untraceable method, and then vanish – or even email you about additional charges!
2. Extra Charges. After your deposit, a scammer may add additional fees and extra hidden costs.
3. Sob Stories. This is especially common on Facebook. A scammer may claim that they’re giving away their dog due to very sad circumstances, like illness.
4. Different Breeds. Most breeders specialize. If the same seller has many different dogs available, they may not be a reputable breeder after all.
5. Extremely Low Prices. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
6. No Refunds or Warranties. A scammer will likely not offer any coverage in the event of pre-existing medical conditions or problems.
7. Refund Promises. Conversely, scammers may request extra deposits or insurance fees with claims that they will refund some later.
8. Reused Photos. If someone is using photos of dogs you can find elsewhere on the Internet, they’re probably a scammer.
9. No Phone Calls. If you can’t call the person selling the dog by phone, they may have something to hide.
10. Discounts. A discounted dog accompanied by a statement that the dog can have babies is likely a scam.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay