Puppy Deposit Scams on Instagram
Instagram's visual format and follow-based trust enable fake 'breeder' accounts to collect deposits from buyers for puppies that do not exist, using professionally photographed dogs stolen from real breeders.
Part of: Puppy Deposit Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Instagram has become a significant channel for both legitimate puppy breeders and scammers who impersonate them. A fraudulent account that consistently posts photos of an appealing dog breed, shares puppy updates, and responds warmly to comments can build hundreds of followers and appear entirely credible before any transaction occurs.
The visual richness of a well-maintained Instagram account is a powerful trust signal that buyers associate with genuine breeder operations. Stolen photos from real breeders are often indistinguishable from authentic posts to a buyer who has no existing relationship with the original account.
How this scam works on Instagram
A fraudulent Instagram account posts regular photos of puppies — often a desirable breed — attracting followers who comment asking about availability. When a buyer expresses purchase interest via DM, they are told a puppy is available and asked to pay a reservation deposit via bank transfer or app payment.
After the deposit, the scammer may maintain contact for several weeks — sharing fake 'puppy updates' and photos — before requesting a delivery fee or health certificate charge. The puppy never arrives, and the account eventually goes silent or is deleted.
Common red flags
- Instagram breeder account with very consistent puppy photos but a short account history
- Seller communicates only through Instagram DM and declines phone or video calls
- Deposit requested via app payment before any in-person or live video meeting
- Account bio contains a contact number or email that leads to an out-of-area or unverifiable location
- Reverse image search of account photos returns results from other websites
- Post-deposit requests for shipping insurance, health certificate fees, or delivery charges
How to protect yourself
- Reverse image search profile and post photos before engaging with any Instagram breeder account
- Insist on a live video call showing the puppy in the breeder's home environment before any payment
- Check how long the account has been active and whether it has consistent engagement from genuine followers
- Search the account username plus 'scam' before committing to any payment
- Refuse any additional fees demanded after a deposit is paid
How to report it
- Report the Instagram account using the three-dot menu and selecting 'Report' — choose 'It's a scam'
- File a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk
- Alert Instagram's intellectual property reporting tool if the account is using photos stolen from a real breeder
Frequently asked questions
How can I verify an Instagram breeder account is legitimate?
Check account age, follower engagement patterns, and whether followers appear genuine. Ask for a live video call with the puppy in the seller's home. Request a Kennel Club or breed registry registration number and verify it independently.