Pet Adoption Scams

Pet adoption scams are a growing concern in the digital age, exploiting the emotions of those looking to add a furry member to their family. These scams can take various forms, but they often share common tactics and characteristics designed to deceive potential pet owners. Understanding the intricacies of these scams is crucial to avoid falling victim to them.

Pet adoption scams typically begin with an advertisement or a website claiming to have pets available for adoption. These can range from popular breeds of dogs and cats to more exotic pets. The scammers use highly emotional language, compelling stories, and pictures of adorable animals to attract potential victims. The ads might be found on social media platforms, pet sale websites, or through unsolicited emails.

Key Features of Pet Adoption Scams:

• Fake Listings: Photos of pets, often stolen from legitimate sites or social media, are used to create fake listings. These listings may offer the pets at a lower cost than normal or claim that the pet is available for free, with the new owner only needing to pay for shipping or other fees.


• Emotional Manipulation: Scammers use sad stories or urgent pleas for rehoming pets to elicit sympathy and haste in decision-making.


• Request for Upfront Payment: Victims are asked to pay upfront fees for adoption, shipping, or other fabricated costs through untraceable payment methods such as wire transfers, gift cards, or peer-to-peer payment platforms.


• Non-existent Pets: In many cases, the pets advertised do not exist. Once the payment is made, the scammer may disappear, or continue to demand more money for unexpected costs like insurance, vaccinations, or customs fees.


• Lack of Verifiable Information: Scammers often fail to provide detailed information about the pet's health, history, or registration. They may also avoid meeting in person or allowing potential owners to visit the pet before adoption.

Warning Signs

• Too Good to Be True: If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Extremely low prices or free pets with the stipulation of paying for other fees are red flags.


• Pressure Tactics: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to rush the decision, claiming that multiple people are interested in the pet or inventing reasons why the adoption must happen immediately.


• Lack of Physical Address or Phone Number: Legitimate adoption services will have a physical address and a verifiable phone number. Be wary of sellers who only communicate via email or text.


• Payment Method: Be cautious if the seller insists on using untraceable payment methods. Legitimate sellers will not have an issue with using more secure and traceable payment options.


• Refusal to Meet in Person: If the seller refuses to let you meet the pet in person before making a payment, it's a significant warning sign.

How to Protect Yourself

• Research: Conduct thorough research on the seller or adoption service. Look for reviews, testimonials, and any history of complaints.


• Ask for Proof: Request recent photos of the pet, along with videos or a live video call to see the pet in real time. Ask for veterinary records or any official documentation.


• Use Reputable Platforms: Consider adopting pets from reputable local shelters, rescue groups, or breeders with a verifiable history.


• Payment Security: Use payment methods that offer fraud protection. Avoid using wire transfers, gift cards, or other untraceable methods.


• Report Scams: If you encounter a pet adoption scam, report it to local authorities, online platforms where the scam was found, and consumer protection agencies.

Being informed and cautious can help you navigate the process of pet adoption safely, ensuring that you bring home a new family member without falling victim to scams.