Fake Pet Breeder Scams on Pinterest
Pinterest pins linking to fraudulent breeder websites collect payments from pet buyers who discover the listings through breed-specific searches and assume the polished presentation indicates legitimacy.
Part of: Fake Pet Breeder Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Pinterest's image-search driven discovery is used by buyers seeking specific breeds, and scammers place pins in these discovery paths using stolen high-quality photography. A buyer who searches for a breed and finds a visually compelling pin leading to a professional-looking website may proceed to purchase without verifying the site's authenticity.
The Pinterest platform itself does not vet the destination sites of pins, meaning fraudulent breeder websites can receive consistent discovery traffic through well-optimised pins indefinitely.
How this scam works on Pinterest
A Pinterest pin featuring a specific breed links to a fraudulent breeder website with professional design, fabricated health guarantees, and fake registrations. The site requests a deposit to reserve an upcoming puppy from the current litter. After payment, the buyer receives email updates with stolen photos before the correspondence ends.
Some fraudulent sites have contact phone numbers that are answered by accomplices posing as vets or transport companies to add credibility to requests for additional fees.
Common red flags
- Pinterest pin linking to a breeder site with very professional appearance but no verifiable credentials
- Breeder site contains photos that appear on multiple other websites when reverse image searched
- Contact information on the site leads to a generic email address with no verifiable business registration
- Site requests a deposit to join a waiting list for an upcoming litter
- Phone number on the site is a mobile or VoIP number with no traceable business registration
- No verified reviews from previous buyers on independent platforms
How to protect yourself
- Verify breeder credentials through the national Kennel Club or breed society before contacting any breeder found through Pinterest
- Reverse image search all photos on the breeder site before making contact
- Search the breeder's name and website URL for fraud reports before proceeding
- Insist on in-person or live video verification before any payment
- Use a payment method with buyer protection rather than bank transfer for any deposit
How to report it
- Report the Pinterest pin using the three-dot menu and selecting 'Report Pin'
- File a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk
- Report the fraudulent website to the domain registrar and to the relevant Kennel Club if fake credentials were presented
Frequently asked questions
Why do fake breeder sites look so professional?
Website templates and stolen photography make it cheap and easy to create credible-looking sites. Professional appearance is not evidence of legitimacy — always verify credentials independently through the relevant breed authority.