How do I avoid puppy scams online?
Short answer
Never pay until you have seen the puppy and its mother on a live video call, verified the breeder's licence or registration yourself, and confirmed the payment details by phone on a number you found independently. Be wary of prices well below market, pressure to pay fast, and sudden 'shipping', 'insurance' or 'crate' fees after you pay.
Updated · By the PetBuddyHub breeding team
Nine red flags
- The price is far below what other breeders charge.
- The seller won't do a live video call, or the 'video' is pre-recorded.
- The same photos turn up elsewhere in a reverse-image search.
- You're pushed to pay a deposit today because 'others are interested'.
- Extra fees appear after payment — for shipping, insurance, a special crate or vaccinations.
- The 'shipping company' contacts you directly and asks for money.
- The seller can't give a licence number, address or parent registration you can check.
- Communication is only by text or a free email address.
- Payment details change mid-conversation.
Checks that protect you
- Search the breeder's licence on the issuing body's public register.
- Ask for parent health results you can look up yourself (for example on ofa.org).
- Get a written contract before paying a deposit.
- Confirm payment details by calling a number you found independently.
- Report suspected scams to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the BBB Scam Tracker.
Our payment details are only ever sent from an @petbuddyhub.com address, and we confirm them on (704) 555-0188 before you send anything.
Common questions
- Is it safe to buy a puppy online?
- It can be, if you verify the breeder, see the puppy live on video, get a written contract and confirm payment details by phone before paying. Most scams fail at least one of those checks.
- What should I do if I've been scammed?
- Contact your bank immediately to try to stop or reverse the payment, then report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, the BBB Scam Tracker and your local police.