There’s nothing better than having a furry companion to snuggle with at the end of a long day. With the ever-increasing popularity of online shopping, it’s no surprise that a growing number of people are using the internet to find a puppy. But with this convenience comes the risk of falling victim to a scam. Here’s what you need to know about the latest puppy scam alert before you begin your online search.
Puppy Scam Alert: Red Flags You Need to Know
When searching for your new four-legged friend, there are some red flags to be aware of. If you come across any of these, be very cautious!
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No real puppy photos: Avoid buying from a website that uses stock or stolen photos. If you see the same photo used across many sites or listings, chances are that the seller isn’t even selling pups.
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Text-based communication only: Scammers typically prefer to talk by email or text. A reputable breeder should be more than willing to talk to you via phone or video chat and even allow you to see the pups while you’re chatting.
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Prices too good to be true: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Research the average price of the breed you want to buy. Purebred dogs sold at low prices are usually not actually pedigreed.
