High riskMarketplace

Puppy Sale Scam

This scam advertises pets at attractive prices, then asks for a deposit before you can meet the animal and keeps adding fees for shipping, crates, or insurance, while the pet does not actually exist.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Online pet sale scam
Main red flag
Being asked to pay a deposit for a pet you have never seen in person or on a live video call.
What to do first
Do not send money. Insist on seeing the animal in person or on a live video call before paying anything.

How this scam works

This scam advertises pets at attractive prices, then asks for a deposit before you can meet the animal and keeps adding fees for shipping, crates, or insurance, while the pet does not actually exist.

Marketplace scams target both buyers and sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and classified listings. Fraudsters fake payments, send bogus "buyer protection" emails, push deals off-platform, or use overpayment tricks to make you ship goods or send money for nothing.

In short, the giveaway is usually simple: Being asked to pay a deposit for a pet you have never seen in person or on a live video call. Do not send money. Insist on seeing the animal in person or on a live video call before paying anything.

Scammers rotate tactics constantly, the same operation may also run the Car Deposit Scam and the Rental Deposit Scam. See the full Marketplace Scams guides hub, or test a suspicious message with the scam checker.

How to spot this scam

  • A pedigree pet priced well below what similar animals normally cost
  • The seller is conveniently far away and cannot meet you in person
  • A deposit is requested before you can see or video-call the animal
  • Extra fees appear after the deposit, such as shipping, a special crate, or pet insurance
  • Payment is requested by gift card, wire transfer, or e-transfer rather than a traceable method

What the message looks like

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'Hello, our last puppy is still available at a special price. We are several hours away, so a small deposit of $300 holds her. We will arrange a courier and crate once payment clears: [unfamiliar link]'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

What gives it away: Being asked to pay a deposit for a pet you have never seen in person or on a live video call.

The scale of it

$1.4B
reported lost to fraud that started on social media in the US in 2023
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
Top category
online shopping is consistently among the most-reported fraud types to the FTC
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

How to protect yourself

  • Ask to see the animal on a live video call where you can request specific actions in real time
  • Search the listing photos and text online to see if they appear on other sites
  • Arrange to meet the pet in person at the breeder's location before paying
  • Use a payment method that offers some buyer protection rather than gift cards or wire transfers

Already responded? Do this now

  • Stop sending any further payments, even if more fees are demanded
  • If you paid by card, contact your bank to report the transaction and ask about a chargeback
  • If you used a wire or gift card, contact the provider immediately as some payments can still be stopped
  • Keep all messages, receipts, and the listing as evidence for your report

Mistakes to avoid

  • Do not pay a deposit for an animal you have not seen in person or on live video
  • Do not send extra fees on the promise that the pet will then be shipped
  • Do not pay using gift cards or wire transfers to a stranger

Related scams to know

High risk Marketplace

Car Deposit Scam

This scam uses an underpriced vehicle listing where the seller claims to be away and asks for a deposit or full payment through gift cards, wire transfer, or a fake escrow service before you can inspect the car.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Rental

Rental Deposit Scam

This scam advertises a desirable rental at a low price and demands a deposit before any viewing, then disappears once you pay.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Online Shopping

Fake Online Store Scam

This scam sets up a convincing but fake store with very low prices, takes payment, and delivers nothing, a counterfeit, or a cheap substitute.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Common questions

Why do these sellers always ask for a deposit first?
A deposit lets the scammer collect money before you discover the pet is not real. Genuine breeders will usually let you visit or arrange a live video call before any payment.
They sent me photos and videos, so is it genuine?
Photos and short clips are easily copied from other listings. Ask for a live video call where you request specific actions, such as holding up today's date, which is much harder to fake.
Is it normal to pay for shipping and a special crate?
A steady stream of new fees after the deposit is a common scam pattern. Each new charge is designed to extract more money before you realise the pet does not exist.
What should I do if I already paid?
Contact your bank or payment provider straight away to report it and ask what can be recovered. Then report the listing to the platform and your national anti-fraud centre.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.