Is an online pet seller requiring full payment before I can collect or meet the animal a scam?
Very likely yes. Online pet fraud is widespread, particularly for puppies and kittens. Payment before seeing the animal in person is the single clearest warning sign.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Pet scams became significantly more prevalent during periods of high demand for pets. Fraudsters post listings with photographs of adorable puppies or kittens at attractive prices and explain that the animal is with a transport company, at a facility, or with a carer and cannot be viewed until a deposit secures your place. After payment, additional fees for transport, vaccination, insurance, or a climate-controlled crate emerge. Eventually all contact stops.
Photographs are typically stolen from legitimate breeder websites or social media. Reverse-image searching them is often enough to identify a scam. Listings frequently use breed names misspelled in predictable ways to avoid search filters.
Legitimate breeders and rescue organisations welcome prospective owners to visit the animal before purchase. They can provide documentation of vaccinations, microchipping, and breeder registration. A breeder who insists on payment before a visit has no legitimate reason for doing so.
If you want a pet, visit the animal in person at the breeder's home or the rescue's facility, verify the animal exists as described, and confirm the breeder's registration with an official breed club or licensing authority before any money changes hands.
Common red flags
- Seller will not allow an in-person visit before payment
- Animal is described as being with a transport or 'government clearance' company
- Fees keep appearing after the initial payment — transport, insurance, crate
- Photos reverse-image search to other sites or breeders
- Seller communicates only via messaging app with no verifiable address
- Price is unusually low for the breed described
What to do now
- Never pay for a pet you have not seen in person
- Reverse-image search all listing photos
- Verify the breeder through your national breed club or livestock licensing authority
- If you already paid and no animal exists, report to police and your bank
- Report the listing to the platform where it appeared
- Alert pet community groups to prevent further victims
Frequently asked questions
What if the seller offers a video call to show the animal?
Video calls can be pre-recorded or show a different animal from a different location. In-person visits are the only reliable verification. An offer to video call is a reassurance tactic, not a substitute for seeing the animal.
Are rescue organisations also faked?
Yes. Fake rescue organisation listings do appear, often claiming the animal is abroad and needs rehoming fees. Verify any rescue through official registration databases and physically visit their facility.