Scammers know you love pets—and they’re using it to trick you
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Pet lovers across the country are being warned of a growing trend that preys on both their wallets and emotions.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reports a resurgence of pet scams, with fraudulent listings leaving many victims financially drained and without the furry friend they were promised.
These scams tend to come in cycles, and watchdog group Scambusters says activity is currently on the rise again.
For many who fall victim, the financial loss is compounded by the heartbreak of losing out on a pet they thought would soon join their family.
Dennis Horton, senior director of the Rockford Regional Office of the BBB, highlighted just how damaging these schemes can be.
“Pet scams are especially cruel because they rob people not only of their money but of the joy and connection they were seeking," Horton said.
"Worse, these scams can pose physical danger. Scammers often arrange pickups in isolated locations, putting victims at serious risk.” His message underscores the urgency for prospective pet owners to stay cautious and informed.
The BBB urges anyone searching for a pet to take preventive steps before sending any money. They recommend only purchasing through reputable breeders or sellers, ideally ones with verifiable histories and reviews available on BBB.org.
Buyers should insist on seeing the pet in person before completing a transaction—or at the very least, request a live video call with the seller and the animal.
Scammers are unlikely to comply with these requests, which can serve as an early warning sign. Experts also suggest using online tools to verify suspicious listings.
A reverse image search of pet photos can reveal if the same pictures appear across multiple fraudulent ads. Similarly, searching for specific wording in the listing’s description may uncover identical scams elsewhere.
Price is another key indicator: purebred animals offered for free or at unusually low costs should raise immediate red flags.
Also read: Don’t fall for these traps! Scammers are running a new “3-phase” hack that could drain your bank accounts fast
For those who want to ensure a safer path to adoption, local animal shelters remain a reliable option.
Not only do they allow you to meet the pet in person, but they also provide support and transparency throughout the adoption process.
Beyond avoiding scams, adopting from shelters can be a rewarding way to give a home to an animal in need.
The BBB emphasizes that hopeful owners should strongly consider this route as an alternative to risky online listings.
Also read: When affection turns to fraud: A retiree’s $47,000 heartbreak
If someone suspects they’ve been targeted, the BBB recommends reporting the incident quickly. Victims should contact Petscams.com, which maintains a database of known scams and offenders, and report the fraud to the BBB Scam Tracker.
Sharing details of the experience on social media can also prevent others from being duped by the same scheme. And if a credit card number was provided, alerting the card issuer immediately can help mitigate financial fallout.
Read next: Retirees warned as AI scams grow more convincing
Would you feel confident spotting the signs of a fake pet listing, or have you—or someone you know—ever encountered one of these scams? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments to help other readers stay safe while searching for their next companion.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reports a resurgence of pet scams, with fraudulent listings leaving many victims financially drained and without the furry friend they were promised.
These scams tend to come in cycles, and watchdog group Scambusters says activity is currently on the rise again.
For many who fall victim, the financial loss is compounded by the heartbreak of losing out on a pet they thought would soon join their family.
Dennis Horton, senior director of the Rockford Regional Office of the BBB, highlighted just how damaging these schemes can be.
“Pet scams are especially cruel because they rob people not only of their money but of the joy and connection they were seeking," Horton said.
"Worse, these scams can pose physical danger. Scammers often arrange pickups in isolated locations, putting victims at serious risk.” His message underscores the urgency for prospective pet owners to stay cautious and informed.
The BBB urges anyone searching for a pet to take preventive steps before sending any money. They recommend only purchasing through reputable breeders or sellers, ideally ones with verifiable histories and reviews available on BBB.org.
Buyers should insist on seeing the pet in person before completing a transaction—or at the very least, request a live video call with the seller and the animal.
Scammers are unlikely to comply with these requests, which can serve as an early warning sign. Experts also suggest using online tools to verify suspicious listings.
A reverse image search of pet photos can reveal if the same pictures appear across multiple fraudulent ads. Similarly, searching for specific wording in the listing’s description may uncover identical scams elsewhere.
Price is another key indicator: purebred animals offered for free or at unusually low costs should raise immediate red flags.
Also read: Don’t fall for these traps! Scammers are running a new “3-phase” hack that could drain your bank accounts fast
For those who want to ensure a safer path to adoption, local animal shelters remain a reliable option.
Not only do they allow you to meet the pet in person, but they also provide support and transparency throughout the adoption process.
Beyond avoiding scams, adopting from shelters can be a rewarding way to give a home to an animal in need.
The BBB emphasizes that hopeful owners should strongly consider this route as an alternative to risky online listings.
Also read: When affection turns to fraud: A retiree’s $47,000 heartbreak
If someone suspects they’ve been targeted, the BBB recommends reporting the incident quickly. Victims should contact Petscams.com, which maintains a database of known scams and offenders, and report the fraud to the BBB Scam Tracker.
Sharing details of the experience on social media can also prevent others from being duped by the same scheme. And if a credit card number was provided, alerting the card issuer immediately can help mitigate financial fallout.
Read next: Retirees warned as AI scams grow more convincing
