: They will make excuses to avoid in-person meetings or live video calls, often claiming they are out of town or in a different country.
: Legitimate breeders will be happy to discuss the puppy's lineage, health records, and parents. How to avoid online puppy scams
: They may claim the puppy is popular and will be sold immediately unless you pay a deposit now. buying puppies online scams
: Insist on a video call (FaceTime, Zoom) where the seller shows you the puppy in real-time.
: Right-click the puppy's photo and select "Search image with Google" to see if it appears on other websites or stock photo galleries. : They will make excuses to avoid in-person
: Once you pay, they may demand additional money for "emergency" shipping insurance, specialized crates, or climate-controlled transport. 2. How to Verify a Seller's Legitimacy
: Scammers demand payment via wire transfers ( Western Union , MoneyGram), gift cards, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer apps like Zelle or Venmo that offer little to no buyer protection. : Insist on a video call (FaceTime, Zoom)
Verify breeders through official organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) . Check for business ratings and reported scams on BBB.org .