Marketplace & rental

Is the puppy listing a scam?

Quick answer

If you can't visit in person and the breeder demands payment by wire, Zelle, or gift card before shipping, almost certainly yes. Puppy scams generate hundreds of millions in losses annually — the puppy doesn't exist, photos are stolen, and the 'breeder' disappears after the deposit clears.

Red flags to look for

1
Breeder won't allow an in-person visit
2
Photos look professional and the same dog appears on multiple sites (reverse image search)
3
Demands deposit by Zelle, Western Union, or gift card
4
After deposit, asks for additional 'shipping insurance,' 'crate fees,' 'health certificate' fees
5
Vague about lineage, breeder credentials, or AKC registration
6
Email signature with no real address or phone

Real examples

Email after initial interest

Hi! Bella is still available — she's our last Yorkie of the litter at $800 (others sold at $1,500). We're located in Tennessee. Deposit $400 via Zelle to hold her, then $400 + $250 shipping when ready. We ship via specialized pet courier.

Likely Scam

Low price below market is bait. The 'shipping' fees keep escalating — crate fee, insurance, health certificate, vaccination — every payment is the last one until you stop. The puppy never existed.

What to do

Insist on visiting the breeder in person.
Reverse-image search the puppy photos — if they appear on other sites, walk away.
Verify breeder via AKC Marketplace, state breeder registries, or local breed clubs.
Use credit card only — chargeback protection is critical.
If scammed, report at petscams.com, ic3.gov, and reportfraud.ftc.gov.

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Why scammers use this approach

Buyers are emotionally invested — they've already named the puppy in their head. The combination of low price + emotional attachment + escalating fees keeps victims sending money past the point most other scams would alarm them.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find a legitimate breeder?

AKC Marketplace for purebreds, breed-specific rescue groups, or in-person visits to verified local kennels. Avoid all online-only, sight-unseen purchases.