How to Spot a Puppy Scam
Thousands of Americans are scammed every year buying pets online. Don't be next.
The Puppy Scam Epidemic
Online pet fraud is one of the fastest-growing consumer scams in America
puppy scam complaints filed with the AKC and BBB in the last 3 years alone. The FTC estimates only 10% of victims actually report.
is the median loss per victim. Some lose over $2,000. Scammers collect payment and either never deliver a puppy or send a sick animal.
of sponsored pet ads in online searches may be fraudulent. Scammers use stolen photos, fake websites, and emotional pressure to close fast.
10 Red Flags of a Puppy Scam
If you see any of these warning signs, walk away immediately
Too-good price
A purebred for $300 when the breed costs $1,500+ is almost always a scam.
Wire transfer only
Legit breeders take credit cards. Wire transfers and gift cards can't be reversed.
No visits allowed
A real breeder welcomes you. Scammers always have excuses why you can't visit.
New website
Scam sites are often under 6 months old. Check the domain age with WHOIS.
Stock photos
Reverse image search puppy photos. If they appear on multiple sites, they're stolen.
High pressure
"Last one available" or "someone else is interested" — classic pressure tactics.
No address
No physical address or phone number means no accountability. Email-only = red flag.
Instant shipping
They offer to ship sight unseen, then add "insurance" and "crate" fees.
No USDA license
Commercial breeders must be USDA licensed. No license number = walk away.
Hidden fees
After payment they invent fees: shipping insurance, health certificate, customs.
Safe Puppy Buying Checklist
Follow these steps every time before sending money to any breeder
Search on BreederCheck
Look up the breeder by name or location. Check their inspection history, violations, and compliance grade.
Verify USDA license
Ask for their license number. Verify on the official USDA APHIS Public Search Tool or here on BreederCheck.
Visit in person
Always visit the facility before purchasing. See the puppies, meet the parents, inspect the conditions.
Ask for vet records
Legitimate breeders provide health clearances, vaccination records, and a health guarantee.
Get a written contract
A reputable breeder provides a purchase agreement with health guarantees and return policy.
Use protected payments
Pay with credit card or PayPal with buyer protection. Never wire money or use gift cards.
Check online reviews
Search the breeder's name + "review" or "complaint" on Google, Reddit, and breed forums.
Trust your instincts
If something feels wrong — too eager, too cheap, too many excuses — walk away.
How BreederCheck Protects You
Free tools to verify any breeder in seconds
Search Any Breeder
Enter their name, city, or state. We cover 15,767 USDA-licensed facilities across all 50 states.
See Their Record
View every USDA inspection, documented violation, severity rating, and repeat offense. No sugarcoating — just the facts.
Check Their Grade
Our A+ to F grading system makes it easy to compare breeders at a glance. A+ means clean record. F means serious violations.
Already Been Scammed?
Report the fraud and help protect others
Federal Trade Commission
File a complaint online. The FTC tracks scam patterns and takes action against large-scale operations.
Report to FTCBetter Business Bureau
File a scam report at BBB ScamTracker. BBB publishes annual puppy scam studies and warns consumers.
Report to BBBFBI Internet Crime Center
Lost money to an online scam? Report to IC3. This helps law enforcement track and prosecute cybercriminals.
Report to IC3State Attorney General
Each state has a consumer protection division. File a complaint with your state AG for local investigation.
Find Your AGPuppy Scam FAQ
Common questions about pet fraud
Don't Risk It. Check First.
A 5-minute search on BreederCheck could save you thousands of dollars and heartbreak.
Search a Breeder Now