Frequently Asked Questions
About Pet Scam
1 What is Pet Scam?
Fake pet sales and adoption scams.
2 How does Pet Scam work?
Adorable puppy/kitten photos posted online at low price or free to good home Seller requests payment for shipping, crate, insurance, or vet fees Pet doesnt exist, fees keep increasing, money is gone
3 How can I protect myself from Pet Scam?
Always meet pets in person before paying Avoid wire payments Research breeders thoroughly Use local shelters instead
4 What should I do if I'm a victim of Pet Scam?
If you've been targeted by Pet Scam, stop all communication with the scammer immediately. Document all evidence including messages, transactions, and contact information. Report to local police and file a complaint with the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. Contact your bank if any financial information was compromised.
5 How do I report Pet Scam?
Report Pet Scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint, your local police department, and any platforms where the scam occurred. For internet-based scams, also report to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.