The puppy / pet-purchase scam

Scammers pose as pet sellers online, take your money for a puppy or pet, and never deliver—or send a sick animal.

Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-11T18:14:57.874Z

How it works

You find an appealing pet listing online at an unusually low price. The seller seems friendly and urgent, asking you to send payment quickly (often by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency) to 'hold' or 'ship' the pet. Once paid, communication stops or you receive excuses for delays.

What it can look like

You see an adorable puppy advertised on a classified site for half the normal price. The seller says they need payment within 24 hours before someone else claims the pet. You send money, but then the seller asks for 'veterinary fees' or 'shipping insurance'—and the pet never arrives.

How it unfolds

Scams like this follow a pattern. Knowing the arc helps you notice where you are — and step away before the ask.

You find an ad online for a pet that seems perfect—healthy, affordable, and available right away. The seller responds quickly and seems friendly and professional.

You exchange messages or emails. The seller asks you to act fast because other buyers are interested. They may ask for a deposit or 'holding fee' to secure the animal, promising to ship it to you soon.

Before you receive the pet, the seller contacts you with a problem: unexpected veterinary costs, transport fees, or customs charges. They ask you to wire or send money immediately to 'release' the pet.

You send money. Days pass, and the pet never arrives, or you get excuses about delays. When you try to reach the seller, they stop responding or ask for more money for new 'problems.'

STOP HERE: If you haven't sent money yet but feel rushed, or if a seller you've already paid keeps asking for more, pause all contact. Do not send additional funds. This is a sign to step back and report what happened.

Red flags

Price is far below what similar pets cost elsewhere.
Seller demands payment by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, or other hard-to-reverse method.
Seller asks for multiple payments (deposit, shipping, insurance, etc.).
You cannot speak to the seller by phone, or they avoid video calls.
Seller has limited photos or uses stock images found online.

What to do

Never send money without meeting the seller and pet in person, or using a secure platform with buyer protection.
Ask for references, veterinary records, or a live video call; legitimate breeders expect these questions.
If you've sent money or personal information, report it to reportfraud.ftc.gov and contact your bank or payment service immediately.

If it already happened

Acting quickly can limit the damage. You are not alone, and it is not your fault.

Stop communicating with the seller immediately. Do not send any more money, even if they promise the pet is 'almost here' or claim a new emergency.
Contact your bank or credit card company right away. Tell them you believe you've been scammed. Ask them to reverse the charge if possible, and ask about fraud protection for your account.
Gather and keep all messages, emails, photos, payment receipts, and ads related to the transaction. Save everything—screenshots count.
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Include all the details you've collected and the contact information of the seller.

Sources

Guidance on this page draws on public, authoritative consumer-protection resources (verified live 2026-07-10). Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-11T18:14:57.874Z.

Spotted this or lost money? Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. This is general educational information, not legal or financial advice — and ScamVet never asks for your identity or account details.

Check a message you received →← All scams