How to Spot Pet Adoption Scams

  • By David Lukic
  • Published: Mar 03, 2021
  • Last Updated: Mar 18, 2022

 The coronavirus pandemic has prompted a lot of people to adopt pets. Social distancing and quarantine have made us crave the comfort and companionship of a kitten or puppy. However, it has also resulted in a lot of pet adoption scams.

Why Are Pet Adoption Scams So Popular Now?

pet adoption scams
Many statistical research companies and rescue groups have noted a spike of 79% in fraudulent behavior since the pandemic began. One area that has seen a significant increase in fraud is pet adoption scams (42%).

  • Reputable shelters, pet adoption agencies, and breeders have shut down operations due to COVID-19. Therefore, eager pet owners are using other sources like Craigslist and online ads to find a furry friend. It is estimated that pet adoption scam online is roughly 80% of pet ads. Many of these are dog scams on Craigslist
  • Due to isolation and forced working from home, people are desperate to find a pet to keep them company.
  • Because of the current circumstances and unusual ways of doing business right now, potential pet owners may not worry about buying a pet they have not met or seen yet. 
  • Using online sources to adopt a pet may overshadow any red flags that the ad or website is fraudulent.

In 2020, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) noted more than 4,000 pet adoption fraud cases. In April alone, there were more reports of pet fraud than in the previous three months combined. Most of the pet fraud concerns dogs or puppies, the majority are dog adoption scams or dog rescue scams, but 12% does involve cats and kittens. The BBB says Americans have lost about $3 million to pet adoption scams. The average loss per victim is $775.

Some Common Pet Adoption Scams

dog rescue scams
Most pet scammers create fake ads and may even set up a convincing-looking website to go with it. Typically, they will focus on a particular breed of cat or dog to appear legitimate. The URL may have the words “puppy” or “kitten” in it. You may see these ads on ad websites like Craigslist, social media, or you may receive a text or email about an adorable pet that needs a home.

These fraudulent websites are often littered with images of cute pets, but the scammers actually have nothing for sale; they only want your money. After falling in love with one of the pets advertised, as the adopter you will be asked to pay fees for vaccinations, shipping, and insurance before the pet shelter will send the animal to you. Some fraudsters even use the term “COVID-safe shipping crates” to really lure you in, thinking they are being extra safe.
Sometimes the initial price will be affordable, but then after they say they have “shipped” the pet, you may receive additional emails or texts requesting more money for customs or other fees to get the animal to you. You may even receive threats if you refuse to keep paying. One victim complained that she was accused of “pet abuse” for not continuing to pay the long list of fees while never receiving the dog. Probably one of the most absurd form of dog adoption scams.
Pet scammers often do not accept credit cards or debit cards. If this is the case, let that be a warning sign to walk away before you end up a victim.

Ways You Can Stay Safe and Avoid a Pet Adoption Scam

When looking to adopt a new pet, a big red flag is when the seller refuses to let you meet the dog or cat in person before the sale, more often than not, this scenario ends p by pet adoption scam. The BBB recommends the following safety tips:

  • Always demand to meet the pet in person before handing over any personal information or money. If the seller refuses, walk away. It is probably a scam.
  • Use Google to do a reverse image search on the pet’s picture. It is likely a stock picture used to lure you in.
  • Check out fair market prices, and if the advertised price is far less, there may be a big catch.
  • Call your local shelter or rescue organization to see if they have any pets available or recommend any trusted sources. They may also inform you of any known dog adoption scams.
  • Instead of focusing on a specific breed, be willing to fall in love with a mutt. Local shelters often have too many pets for homes in the area. You are likely to find a great companion that way.
  • Do not do business with a pet owner who says they are “out of town” or overseas. You are asking for trouble if they have to ship the pet. Unless you can drive to pick it up, pass on those offers.
  • Never wire money for a pet purchase. If someone asks you to pay with gift cards, Western Union, or Bitcoin, these are very strong indications that it’s a fraudulent transaction and you will never receive the pet or see your money again. 
  • Do a lot of research when finding the perfect pet. Check out reviews and talk to friends and family to find reputable sources. Do not be lured in by cute pictures of cats and dogs.
  • Before doing business with the seller, check their references. If they refuse to supply any, walk away. Better safe than sorry. 
  • Never trust an offer that says “free.” Some scammers offer up a pet free to a good home, then start asking for fee after fee for little things before the actual transfer takes place. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • If someone is shipping the animal, check out the shipping company and very their credentials. You can always consult the BBB to see if a company has any complaints or is legitimate. 
  • If you do need a purebred pet, only work with reputable breeders in your area. Animal shelters can provide you with the names of good breeders.
  • Consider waiting to adopt until COVID-19 is over.

dog adoption scam

How do I Report a Pet Adoption Service as a Scam?

If a fake pet adoption agency has scammed you and you are a victim of pet adoption scam, dog adoption scam, or dog rescue scam,, contact the FTC to report the fraud

You can also contact the BBB or agencies like Fraud.org to report it. 

Contact your local law enforcement and file a police report of any money stolen.

You may also want to consider checking your credit reports and keeping a close eye on any accounts if you provided payment details or other personal information.

About the Author
IDStrong Logo

Related Articles

4 Most Common Bitcoin Scams

Scams are creeping into all areas of life these days. Any new type of technology is at risk. Bitco ... Read More

Romance Scams, The Love to Escape from

Scams have been around a long time, that’s nothing new. One of the most disturbing and heartbrea ... Read More

Top 6 Craigslist Scams and How To Avoid It

Craigslist is a website used for localized classified ads. It was founded in 1995 by Craig Newmark ... Read More

Common PayPal Scams & How to Prevent Them

PayPal is one of the top digital currency exchanges in the world. Nearly everyone has heard of Pay ... Read More

Cash App Fraud: What to do if You've Got Scammed Through Cash App

Peer-to-peer payment apps like Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Facebook Payment ... Read More

Latest Articles

What You Need to Know about the Hot Topic Data Breach

What You Need to Know about the Hot Topic Data Breach

Hot Topic plays in the fashion, apparel, and shoe industry as a retailer of music-influenced apparel and accessories, such as jeans, tops, belts, dresses, pajamas, sunglasses, jewelry, and tees.

Google Voice Scams: What They Are and How to Stay Safe

Google Voice Scams: What They Are and How to Stay Safe

Google Voice scams continue to pose a risk for users of this service. Scammers continuously attempt to lure users into divulging their verification PIN code.

What Are Pretexting Attacks: Scam Types and Security Tips?

What Are Pretexting Attacks: Scam Types and Security Tips?

Have you ever received a text from someone you do not know? Did you become alarmed by the message? Did the message contain information about you and the people you know?

Featured Articles

How to Buy a House with Bad Credit

How to Buy a House with Bad Credit

Buying your own home is the American Dream, but it might seem out of reach to those with bad credit. However, the good news is, if your credit is less than perfect, you do still have options and in most cases, can still buy a home.

How Secure Is Your Password? Tips to Improve Your Password Security

How Secure Is Your Password? Tips to Improve Your Password Security

Any good IT article on computers and network security will address the importance of strong, secure passwords. However, the challenge of good passwords is that most people have a hard time remembering them, so they use simple or obvious ones that pose a security risk.

Top 10 Senior Scams and How to Prevent Them

Top 10 Senior Scams and How to Prevent Them

Senior scams are becoming a major epidemic for two reasons. First, seniors often have a lot of money in the bank from a life of working hard and saving.

Notice

By proceeding with this scan, you agree to let IDStrong run a Free Scan of supplied parameters of your personal information and provide free preliminary findings in compliance with our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice. You consent to us using your provided information to complete the Free Scan and compare it against our records and breach databases or sources to provide your Free preliminary findings report.

Rest assured: IDStrong will not share your information with third parties or store your information beyond what is required to perform your scan and share your results.

Free Identity Threat Scan
Instantly Check if Your Personal Information is Exposed
All fields below are required
Please enter first name
Please enter last name
Please enter a city
Please select a state
Please enter an age
Please enter an email address
Close