Puppy Deposit Scams on Facebook
Facebook Marketplace and Groups host a high volume of fraudulent puppy listings where buyers are asked to pay deposits for puppies that do not exist, then face escalating fee demands before the puppy 'arrives'.
Part of: Puppy Deposit Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Facebook Marketplace is one of the most heavily abused platforms for puppy deposit fraud. Scammers create listings with stolen photographs of real puppies, set prices below market to attract buyers quickly, and use convincing backstories about rehoming due to personal circumstances.
The social trust signals Facebook provides — profile photos, years of account history, and shared groups — give these listings a veneer of legitimacy. Buyers who are emotionally invested in meeting a specific puppy are vulnerable to escalating fee demands before they recognise the fraud.
How this scam works on Facebook
A Facebook Marketplace listing shows a puppy at a compelling price, often with a heartfelt rehoming story. When a buyer expresses interest and pays a holding deposit, follow-up messages demand additional fees — transport insurance, veterinary health certificates, or customs clearance for a long-distance delivery that was never mentioned in the original listing.
Each fee is small enough to seem plausible, and the emotional investment in receiving the promised puppy makes buyers reluctant to abandon the transaction. The puppy never arrives, the seller becomes unreachable, and the cumulative fees can amount to several hundred pounds or dollars.
Common red flags
- Facebook Marketplace puppy listing priced significantly below market rate
- Seller uses a backstory about moving, deployment, or illness to explain the rehoming
- Payment requested before any in-person meeting or video call with the puppy is arranged
- Follow-up demands for transport insurance, certification, or customs fees after the deposit is paid
- Seller is only available via Messenger and refuses phone or video calls
- Reverse image search of the puppy photo returns results from other websites or listings
How to protect yourself
- Reverse image search all puppy photos before sending any money
- Insist on a video call with the puppy and seller before paying any deposit
- Never pay a deposit on a puppy you have not met in person or at least verified via live video
- Research the breed's typical price range before engaging — prices well below market signal fraud
- Refuse to pay any additional fees after an initial deposit — legitimate sellers include all costs upfront
How to report it
- Report the Facebook Marketplace listing using the 'Report listing' function and select the fraud category
- File a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk in the UK
- Report to your local police if significant money was lost and you have evidence of the scammer's identity
Frequently asked questions
The seller sent me what looks like a real vet certificate — how do I check if it's genuine?
Contact the veterinary practice named on the certificate directly using contact details you find independently, not ones provided by the seller, to confirm the certificate and puppy actually exist there. Scammers commonly fabricate or lift certificates from other sources.
The listing says the puppy will be shipped to me — is that ever legitimate?
Reputable breeders rarely ship very young puppies alone and typically prefer local pickup or accompanied travel; unsolicited offers to ship a puppy to a buyer who hasn't met it are a major red flag. Insist on meeting the puppy in person or via live video before any payment.
How much should I expect to pay upfront for a legitimate puppy?
Costs vary widely by breed and region, so there's no fixed figure, but legitimate breeders typically don't ask for a deposit before you've at least seen the puppy on live video, and they don't add unexpected fees after the deposit. Research typical pricing for the specific breed in your area first.
Can I get my deposit back if I paid through Facebook Pay or a bank transfer?
Bank transfers are difficult to reverse but your bank can attempt a recall. Facebook Pay disputes are handled through Facebook's resolution process. File complaints with the FTC or Action Fraud immediately — speed improves recovery chances.