If that pet listing seems too cute to be true, it probably is

A photo of the fluffiest puppy or a wide-eyed kitten pops up online, and you know they’re meant to be part of your family. But here’s the thing: That future pet may or may not be real. It could be a scam. Unless you see the furry friend with your own eyes, it’s best to be cautious.

Unfortunately, puppy adoption scams are common — and costly. According to the BBB, the median loss for online puppy scams was $600 in 2025. Fraudsters use social media, fake websites, and platforms like Craigslist to tug on your heartstrings. Then, they drain your wallet.

If you’re looking to adopt, especially from an online listing, this guide will help you spot pet adoption scams, avoid common traps like fake rehoming fees, and find a pet that’s the real deal.

How pet adoption scams tug on your heartstrings

Pet adoption scams work by using your emotions to manipulate you into giving the fraudster money, a tactic known as social engineering. They often start with a cute photo and a compelling story. Scammers pretend to be breeders, rescue groups, or people looking to “rehome” pets, then pressure you into sending money before you realize the pet doesn’t exist.

Here’s how it usually plays out:

1. The lure: You see a sweet-looking dog or cat in an online listing.
2. Puppy eyes pressure: The “seller” claims they’re trying to find a good home ASAP. Maybe the pet is at risk of going to a shelter.
3. Red-flag payments: They require upfront payment via risky methods such as wire transfers, third-party payment apps, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. These are hard to trace and nearly impossible to reverse.
4. Fetch more money: Maybe the dog needs shots, a special crate, or last-minute travel insurance.
5. Off the leash: Eventually, communication stops. The pet never arrives, and the scammer disappears.

This happened to a couple who were looking for a dachshund. They found one through a Facebook page of scammers posing as a rescue group. The “seller” started with a $150 application fee. But $300 more later, they realized it was a scam.

On Craigslist, pet scams involve rehoming listings that seem legit since selling pets directly is banned on the site. But it’s a common scammer tactic: They use the rehoming loophole to operate under the radar.

How to sniff out pet adoption or rehoming scams

Spotting pet scams early is key to protecting yourself, and scammers will often show red flags, such as refusing to meet in-person, providing vague details, and giving excuses for not using paperwork. Here are the biggest warning signs to watch for:

• No-show seller: The seller won’t do a video call or in-person meeting.
• Uncommon payment options: They insist on payments via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
• Extra low prices: The price seems too good to be true — think $500 for a purebred French Bulldog.
• Limited details: Vague or generic answers to specific questions about the pet.
• No paperwork: Refuses to share vet records or adoption paperwork.
• Almost no digital footprint: No online presence, or the website is suspiciously brand new.
• Stolen images: Uses stock or stolen photos. (Pro tip: Do a reverse image search.)
• Price shift: The seller hits you with extra, unexplained fees after payment.

On the flip side, here are some green flags you’ll notice from real rescues and ethical breeders:

• Licensed or affiliated with a shelter.
• Require home visits or reference checks.
• Use safe payment methods, such as credit cards.
• Offer contracts and full documentation.
• Often have a social media presence or reviews.

Safer ways to fetch your new best friend and protect yourself from scams

You want a real furry companion, not a scammer's bait-and-switch. Here's how to adopt safely:

• Verify the seller: Use local shelters, verified rescues, or known breeders.
• Read the reviews: Check business credentials on the BBB or state registries.
• Check their legitimacy: Confirm nonprofit status through government databases.
• Move offline: Call or visit in person whenever possible.
• Verify the image: Do a reverse image search to check for reused or AI-generated pet photos.
• Research them: Google the organization’s name + “scam.”
• Review contracts carefully: Vague terms or a lack of paperwork are significant red flags.
• Try to go local: Avoid long-distance adoptions unless fully verified.

Keep in mind that scammers often target high-demand breeds, like goldendoodles, French bulldogs, or Bengal cats, because people are willing to take risks to get them.

And yes, you may see ads or listings for "cheap dogs" or "free puppies near me" on platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Instagram that seem legitimate. But remain cautious. Many of these are covers for pet scams, especially if there’s a rehoming fee or a last-minute transportation charge.

What to do if you get caught in a pet scam

If you spot a pet scam or have already fallen for the scheme, don’t panic and take action right away. You may be able to stop further damage by reporting the transaction and the scammer. Here’s what to do next:

1. Don’t engage: Stop all communication with the scammer immediately.
2. Dispute the charge: Contact your bank or payment provider (like PayPal) to file a dispute.
3. Document everything: Collect proof, including emails, receipts, screenshots, social media pages, etc.
4. Report them: Report the scam to the BBB, FTC, and the FBI’s IC3.
5. Go to local authorities: If you believe the scammer is local, contact your police or district attorney.
6. Report their profiles: Report the scam to the platform used (e.g., Facebook, Craigslist).
7. Give a heads up: Notify any real charities, rescues, or breeders that might have been impersonated.

Pet scams are heartbreaking financially and emotionally. Give yourself space to process it and know that there’s still a real furry friend waiting for you.

Stay one step ahead of scammers in your pet search

Pet adoption scams go beyond losing money. They take an emotional toll, too. That’s why protecting yourself from the start is just as important as finding the right pet.

Norton AntiVirus Plus includes AI-powered scam detection that can help you flag suspicious listings or websites before you fall for a fake pet. Whether it’s a “free dog near me Craigslist” ad or a too-good-to-be-true rehoming fee, Norton can help sniff out the danger.

FAQs

How common are pet adoption scams?

Pet scams surged during the pandemic and continue today. Thousands of people are scammed every year, especially on social media and classified sites.

Can free pet listings be adoption scams?

Yes, fake listings claiming “free dogs” often hide fake $500 rehoming fees or other costs, especially on sites like Craigslist.

Can a scammer hack you if you reply to them?

Not directly, but if you click suspicious links or share personal information, they could attempt identity theft or phishing attacks.

Is there a list of puppy scammers?

While there isn’t one definitive list, searching “puppy scammer list” or checking sites like the BBB and ScamAdviser can help spot repeat offenders.