SIGNS OF A PUPPY SCAM
Updated 1-9-25
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- Brand-new Facebook page with very few followers.
New breeders do create new pages, so this alone isn’t proof of a scam—just something to note. - Puppy photos show inconsistent settings (e.g., some on a rug, others outdoors) while claiming they were all taken the same day or are the same litter.
- Website contains odd wording or incorrect grammar.
- Breeder can’t tell you anything about the parents and has no photos of them.
- Refuses to speak on the phone.
- Won’t send a personalized video of the puppy (e.g., with the date, your name, or a word you request spoken or written).
- Pricing is far below normal and often includes shipping, which is uncommon for reputable breeders.
- Pressures you to send money immediately.
- Can’t answer basic questions about the breed and seems generally uninformed.
- Misspells the breed name (e.g., “Cavlier,” “Cavilier,” “King Spaniel”).
- Won’t provide vet information for verification. Always call the vet yourself to confirm the breeder is an actual client.
- Has no understanding of health testing or hereditary issues affecting the breed.
- Claims puppies are all the same age even though they clearly appear to be different ages.
- Frequently hijacks posts and comments directing people to their page.
- No waitlist and puppies always available.
Reputable breeders often (but not always) have waitlists or limited availability due to demand and responsible breeding practices. - Avoids sharing their location publicly. They may ask where you’re located first, then claim to be nearby.
- Cannot provide legitimate references.
Fake “references” often contain extremely poor grammar—not just the occasional typo. - Consistently uses broken grammar or appears to rely on translation tools.
(Not all non-English speakers are scammers, but many scam pages have this pattern.) - Same puppies posted repeatedly over months, sometimes across multiple groups or even the same page.
- Incorrect sex listed.
(Yes—some scammers will call a clearly male puppy a female!) - Asks for payment in gift cards—never do this.
For wire transfers or bank payments, confirm the breeder is legitimate first. - Facebook pages or groups using terms like “adoption” or “rehoming.”
In many cases, these are scam pages, not legitimate breeders. - No FaceTime or in-person visits does not automatically equal a scam.
Some breeders dislike FaceTime due to privacy or anxiety. Reputable breeders will still speak by phone and provide videos. - Know the average pricing of the breed you’re seeking.
Example: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels generally range from $1,800–$3,500 (with some variation).
If someone offers them for $500, run—this is almost always a scam or a puppy mill situation.
