INDIANA – So far in 2022, more than 1,500 puppy scams have been reported to the Better Business Bureau.
Victims of online puppy scams will send money to a “seller”, only to never receive a puppy or any follow-up communication.
Experts at Veterinarians.org say this number will only increase as the holidays approach—a time of year when online searches for puppies for sale traditionally see a steep increase.
Using scam data from the Better Business Bureau’s archives and population data from Statista Research Institute, the Special Reports Team at Veterinarians.org analyzed the compiled figures for this study to develop two reports:
1. The Top 15 States for Puppy Scams
2. The Top 15 States for Puppy Scams Per 100K People
Indiana has 32 reported puppy scams with a total money loss of $23,615 statewide between January 1, 2022, and October 31, 2022.
How to Identify a Puppy Scam: 5 Warning Signs
There are common themes among the reports filed with the Better Business Bureau. These themes can help those who plan to use the internet to search for a new puppy avoid a potential scam. What follows are the most common warning signs among puppy-related scams.
1. The seller claims that you will not be able to see the puppy in person before adoption and/or is unable to provide you with multiple pictures/videos of the puppy up for adoption.
2. The seller asks for payment upfront through Western Union, MoneyGram, a digital money app like Zelle or Cash App, or via a gift card.
3. The seller or a third party asks for follow-up payments to cover additional items such as a climate-controlled crate for shipping, vaccinations, or transportation insurance/life insurance. In many cases, fraudulent emails will claim the shipping costs/crate rental fees will be refunded upon the puppy’s delivery. However, they never are.
4. The breeder’s website offers no information about the sire or dam of the litter and/or the breeder is unable to provide proof of health records or AKC Certification.
5. In the case of purebred breeds, the puppy in question is being offered at a significantly steep discount when compared with the average price for a puppy of its breed.
Alternatives to Buying Puppies Online
Despite the ease of searching for a puppy through online marketplaces such as Craigslist and Facebook Market, as well as through independently-owned websites, these platforms are commonly referenced in reports filed with the Better Business Bureau. Those searching for an animal to adopt, therefore, should exercise extreme caution when utilizing such sites, keeping the aforementioned warning signs in mind at all times when interacting with sellers.
There are several alternatives to online platforms when it comes to searching for a new puppy, however. Local animal shelters like the White River Humane Society in Bedford and rescue groups often boast large numbers of animals that are waiting for a new home. Such organizations allow prospective adopters to interact with their animal of choice in person to determine the animal’s compatibility with all members of the household. Adoption fees also tend to be significantly lower than what an individual might pay through an online breeder. These organizations also help reduce animal overpopulation in shelters, allowing more animals in need to be taken in and cared for.
For those interested in a purebred pet, it’s long been estimated that anywhere from 20-30% of the dogs in shelters are purebred. There are also numerous breed-specific rescue groups available across the nation. The AKC Rescue Network, for instance, consists of over 400 such groups. Additionally, individuals can search for breeder associations or clubs (e.g. Golden Retriever Club of America, Poodle Club of America, etc.) to find reputable breeders affiliated with the American Kennel Club.
To see the full study visit Veterinarians.org.
