How pet scams work

A pet scam typically involves scammers posing as pet sellers or breeders, or adoption agencies or shelters. They advertise animals online, often on classified websites or social media platforms, and use a variety of methods.

For example, scammers may list animals that they don’t have. They will use stolen photos obtained from legitimate breeders or use stock images to make the ad appear legitimate. Scammers may claim that there are fees or additional charges that the buyer needs to pay to have the animal delivered. These can include special crates, refrigeration units, and haulage fees. Once the buyer pays the extra funds, the scammer disappears.

Scammers may also advertise on fake websites or listings that appear legitimate but are designed to steal personal and financial information from potential buyers. They may use convincing language and logos to trick people into providing sensitive information.

How to detect a pet scam

By being alert to the telltale signs of a pet scam, you can protect yourself. Here are some red flags that it may be a pet scam:

• Generic photos that look to be stock photos.
• Lack of verifiable breeder registration information.
• Unrealistic prices.
• Pressure to act quickly before you can verify the legitimacy of the offer.
• Requests for payment upfront, particularly through hard to trace means such as cryptocurrency and gift cards. Legitimate sellers typically accept payment methods that offer some level of buyer protection.
• Inability to see the pet in person before any payment is provided
• Inability of the seller to provide evidence of health history, vaccination records, or pedigree could be a sign that they are hiding something, or the pet does not exist.
• Generic responses to questions, and unwillingness to talk on the phone, video calls, or in-person.
• Unusual shipping arrangements. Scammers will use fake shipping companies or invent fake fees.

How to report a pet scam

If you think you have come across a pet scam, stop any communication with the seller and don’t provide any personal information or money.

If you have provided personal information or money, contact your bank immediately so they can help protect your account and try to recover any funds that you have sent.

Even if you've managed to avoid losing money, reporting it is still crucial to help prevent further fraud and assist other potential victims – report the scam to National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) - Scamwatch.

Pet scams also need to be reported to the appropriate law enforcement or animal welfare authorities to prevent further scams, and to protect any animals that may be in danger.