Pet & Animal Scams

Fraudulent sellers take a non-refundable deposit for a puppy that does not exist, then disappear or invent reasons to demand more money before the animal is never delivered.

Scammers pose as professional breeders with polished websites and fake credentials, collecting full or partial payment for pets that do not exist.

Scammers advertise pets at low or no cost then demand escalating fees for crates, veterinary certificates, insurance, and customs clearance, collecting payment at each stage before disappearing.

Scammers contact owners of genuinely missing pets, claim to have found the animal, and demand a reward or 'recovery fee' before a pet that was never in their possession is handed over.

Fraudsters impersonate animal rescue organisations or private rehomers, collecting adoption fees and transport costs for pets that do not exist or are never delivered.

Sellers advertise rare or exotic animals — parrots, reptiles, big cats, primates — that do not exist, collecting deposits and escalating fees before disappearing.

Fraudsters advertise pedigree stud dogs or cats with fabricated credentials, collecting stud fees or deposits for services never rendered.

Fraudulent insurers collect premiums for pet health policies that provide no coverage, leaving owners with worthless documentation and large veterinary bills.

Individuals create false crowdfunding campaigns claiming a pet needs urgent, expensive veterinary treatment, collecting donations that are used for personal gain rather than any animal's care.

Websites sell worthless ESA registration certificates, ID cards, and vests that have no legal standing, misleading buyers into believing their pet has official status.

Fraudulent websites charge fees to 'register' a pet's microchip on unofficial databases that are not checked by vets or shelters, providing false security to pet owners.