: Insist on a video call (FaceTime, Zoom) where the seller shows you the puppy in real-time.
: Purebred puppies sold for a fraction of their market value (e.g., a $500 French Bulldog) are major indicators of a scam. buying puppies online scams
: Google the seller’s name, website, and phone number alongside terms like "scam" or "complaint". Check Professional Credentials : : Insist on a video call (FaceTime, Zoom)
: Right-click the puppy's photo and select "Search image with Google" to see if it appears on other websites or stock photo galleries. Check Professional Credentials : : Right-click the puppy's
: Legitimate breeders will be happy to discuss the puppy's lineage, health records, and parents. How to avoid online puppy scams
: 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.
: 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.