Fake Pet Adoption Scams on Facebook
Facebook rescue Groups and Marketplace listings host fraudulent pet adoption posts that charge fees for animals that do not exist, exploiting the goodwill of people seeking to adopt rather than buy.
Part of: Fake Pet Adoption Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Pet adoption carries strong emotional appeal and a sense of moral virtue — people seeking to adopt rather than buy feel they are giving an animal a better life. Scammers exploit this charitable impulse by creating fake rescue or adoption listings that charge 'rehoming fees' or 'transport donations' for non-existent animals.
Facebook's rescue and rehoming Groups are particularly susceptible because they are managed by volunteers who may not have the capacity to verify every listing, and because the community atmosphere creates high levels of trust between members.
How this scam works on Facebook
A Facebook post in a rescue Group or Marketplace listing describes a dog or cat urgently needing a home, often with a story about a deceased owner, a family in crisis, or an overseas rescue situation. The post asks for a modest rehoming fee to cover transport or veterinary costs. After payment, the animal never arrives, and follow-up messages request additional fees for complications before the sender disappears.
Some operations create entire fake rescue organisations with Facebook Pages, branded names, and fabricated charity registration numbers, giving them the appearance of legitimate non-profit rescues.
Common red flags
- Adoption post charging a rehoming or transport fee before the animal is received
- Animal is described as being in another country or state, necessitating paid delivery
- Rescue organisation cannot be verified through the relevant charity commission or registry
- Post photos reverse image search to other sites or listings
- Payment requested via app, wire transfer, or gift card rather than a protected method
- Urgent deadline — 'must be homed by [date]' — to pressure quick payment
How to protect yourself
- Verify rescue organisations through your national charity regulator before paying any fee
- Prefer to adopt from local shelters or rescues you can visit in person
- Never pay a rehoming fee before meeting the animal in person or on a live verified video call
- Reverse image search all adoption post photos
- Report suspicious adoption posts to the Facebook Group moderators immediately
How to report it
- Report the Facebook post or Group listing using the three-dot menu and selecting 'Report'
- File a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk
- Report fake charity organisations to your national charity commission
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for pet rescues to charge an adoption fee?
Yes — legitimate rescues do charge adoption fees to cover veterinary costs, microchipping, and vaccinations. The red flag is when payment is requested before the adoption is completed in person, or when the fee is demanded via a non-traceable payment method.