K9PN does not breed, sell or train dogs. We pass your request to an experienced professional who serves your area.
Puppy scams
Puppy scams: how to spot them and buy a dog safely online
Pet scams target people who are excited and in a hurry, which is exactly when mistakes happen. Scammers post photos of puppies that do not exist, ask for deposits and then add fees until you stop paying. This guide covers the red flags, how to check a seller and what to do if you think you have been targeted. K9PN refers you to professionals and does not sell dogs.
- Red flags and verification steps
- BBB figures on pet scams
- K9PN does not sell dogs
Find a professional you can verifyTell us about your household and the kind of dog you want. Include your ZIP code so we can match you with a professional who serves your area.K9PN is a referral service and does not train dogs. By submitting a request you agree that K9PN and a participating trainer may contact you about it by phone, text or email. Message and data rates may apply. See our Privacy Policy.
Key takeaways
- Never pay for a puppy you have not seen, in person or on a live video call with the puppy and the seller.
- Extra fees for shipping, crates, insurance or "special vaccines" are a classic scam pattern.
- Pay by a method with buyer protection, never gift cards or wire transfers.
How K9PN works
A referral service, not a seller
What you can expect when you send a request.
Our guides list what to ask any seller or trainer: health tests, contracts, training and aftercare.
It costs nothing to send a request, and you decide whether to work with whoever contacts you.
By K9PN · Founded by Mike Leal, Army Ranger veteran and dog trainer · Reviewed October 2026
How common are pet scams?
The Better Business Bureau reported that online pet scam reports rose from 680 in 2022 to 2,899 in 2023, then 2,278 in 2024, and 1,632 through September 2025, which it says was significantly more than the same point in 2024. The median reported loss fell from $750 in 2022 to about $600 in 2025. These are reported cases only, so the real number is higher.
The classic puppy scam, step by step
- A listing shows an adorable puppy of a popular breed at an attractive price, with stolen photos.
- The seller says they live far away and can ship the puppy, and asks for a deposit.
- After you pay, new fees appear: a special crate, insurance, vaccinations, "transport permits".
- The pressure builds, with warnings that the puppy will be harmed or sent to a shelter if you do not pay.
- The puppy never arrives and the seller vanishes.
Red flags
- Popular breeds at unusually low prices.
- The seller refuses to meet in person or to do a live video call showing the puppy.
- Extra fees for crates, vaccines, insurance or shipping that appear after you pay.
- The ad uses the word "teacup", which is a marketing term, not a recognized size.
- High-pressure tactics, or stories about urgent relocation or military deployment.
- Payment only by gift card, wire transfer, cash app or cryptocurrency.
- Photos that appear on other sites, or a seller who will not send new photos on request.
- No health records, no parents, no contract.
How to verify a seller
- Run a reverse image search on the photos.
- Search the seller's name, phone and email with the word "scam".
- Ask for a live video call where the seller shows you the puppy and the mother, and holds up something you ask for.
- Ask for the vet's name and phone number, and call the vet.
- Visit in person whenever you can.
- Check the Better Business Bureau and review sites for the business.
How to pay safely
Use a credit card or another method with dispute rights, not gift cards, wire transfers or cash apps, which are hard or impossible to reverse. Do not pay in full before you have the puppy. Put the agreement in writing.
If you think you have been scammed
- Stop sending money and keep all messages and receipts.
- Contact your bank or card issuer immediately to dispute the payment.
- Report to the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker and the Federal Trade Commission.
- Report the listing to the platform where you found it.
How K9PN matches you with a dog professional
K9PN is not a marketplace where anyone can pay to be listed, and we do not sell dogs. We refer people to experienced, independent breeders, rescues and dog professionals, and look at the things that decide whether a dog turns out healthy and right for your home:
- Health testing you can verify. Results for both parents that are relevant to the breed, with paperwork you can check yourself.
- Meet the puppy and its mother. You can see where the puppies live, how they are raised and how the adults behave.
- A fair written contract. Price, health guarantee, return terms and what happens if things do not work out.
- Honest advice on fit. A good professional asks about your home, time and experience, and will tell you if a different dog or a rescue would suit you better.
- Aftercare. Support after the dog comes home, including training and vet guidance.
Read our puppy buying guide for the questions to ask any seller.
Please note
This page is general information, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices, laws and availability change and differ by state, so check current details with the seller and your vet.
Common questions
How do I know if a puppy listing is fake?
Look for stolen photos (try a reverse image search), a low price, refusal to meet or video call, and requests for payment by gift card or wire.
Is it safe to buy a puppy online?
It can be if you verify the seller thoroughly, see the puppy and parents in person or on live video and use a safe payment method. Many people prefer to buy only locally.
Why do scammers use the word "teacup"?
It is a marketing term with no recognized size standard, and it is often used to justify high prices. The BBB lists it as a red flag.
Can I get my money back?
Sometimes, if you pay by card and dispute quickly. Gift cards and wire transfers are usually gone. Contact your bank at once.
Where do I report a puppy scam?
Report to the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker, the Federal Trade Commission and the platform where the ad appeared.
Does K9PN sell or train protection dogs?
No. K9PN is a referral service and does not breed, sell or train dogs. We pass your request to a professional trainer or working-dog program that matches what you asked for and serves your area. It costs nothing to send a request, and you decide whether to work with whoever contacts you.
Related
Sources and further reading
For dog trainers
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