As the holiday season approaches, many families dream of welcoming a new furry friend into their homes. Puppies are a popular gift, but the increased demand during this time of year also creates opportunities for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers. We value your security and want to help you recognize and avoid puppy scams this Christmas.

What Are Puppy Scams?

Puppy scams occur when fraudsters pose as legitimate pet breeders or sellers online. They often lure victims with cute puppy photos and promises of the perfect pet, only to demand payment for a dog that doesn’t exist. Victims are frequently asked to send money upfront for the dog, transportation fees, or other fabricated expenses. Once payment is made, the scammer disappears, leaving the victim without their money—or their puppy.

Common Signs of a Puppy Scam

1. Too-good-to-be-true prices: Scammers often advertise purebred puppies at significantly lower prices than what a legitimate breeder would charge.
2. Pressure to act quickly: Fraudsters may use urgency tactics, claiming the puppy will be sold to someone else unless you pay immediately.
3. Request for payment via untraceable methods: Be cautious if the seller asks for payment through wire transfers, gift cards, or payment apps like Venmo or CashApp.
4. Lack of transparency: Scammers may avoid providing detailed information about the puppy, their breeding practices, or their location.
5. No in-person meetings: They may make excuses to avoid meeting you or allowing you to see the puppy in person before you purchase.

Tips to Protect Yourself

Here are practical steps to ensure your puppy search is both joyful and scam-free:

1. Do your research: Verify the breeder or seller’s credentials by reading reviews, checking references, and confirming their affiliation with recognized breed organizations.
2. Avoid upfront payments: Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person or whose credentials you haven’t verified.
3. Request a video call: Ask the seller to show the puppy live via video. This can help you confirm that the puppy exists and matches the pictures.
4. Use secure payment methods: Credit cards and PayPal often offer buyer protections that can help recover funds in case of fraud.
5. Visit in person: Whenever possible, visit the breeder or seller’s location to meet the puppy and assess the conditions firsthand.
6. Be skeptical of deals: If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a puppy scam, act quickly:

• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov.
• Contact your bank or payment provider to attempt to reverse the transaction.
• Share your experience with the Better Business Bureau to warn others.

Protecting Your Financial Well-Being

Your security is our priority. This holiday season, stay vigilant against scams and take steps to protect your financial well-being. If you have questions about potential fraud or need advice, our team is here to help.

Bringing a new pet into your family is an exciting and rewarding experience. By taking the time to research and exercise caution, you can ensure that your holiday season is filled with joy, not disappointment.