Puppy / Pet Deposit Scam Examples
Fake pet sellers advertise purebred puppies or kittens at attractive prices, collect a deposit or full payment, and then disappear — the animal never existed.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
Hi! We have a beautiful [breed] puppy available. We are rehoming due to moving overseas. Asking only [amount] to cover shipping. Send a [amount] deposit via Zelle to hold [pet name].
Our [breed] litter is ready to go! Only [amount] each. We require a [amount] non-refundable deposit to reserve your puppy. Can send photos and vet records after payment.
I have a [breed] kitten looking for a loving home. Price is [amount] but I can do [amount] if you can cover transport. Venmo or Cash App preferred. Payment secures your spot.
These pups are AKC registered and vaccinated. Due to high demand we need a [amount] deposit today. Balance due on delivery. We accept Zelle, gift cards, or wire transfer.
What the scammer wants
To collect a deposit or full purchase price for a non-existent pet, and often to extract additional fees for fake 'shipping insurance' or 'kennel crates' before vanishing.
Red flags in the message
- Unusually low price for a supposedly pedigree or rare breed
- Seller is moving abroad or has a personal story to explain the low price
- Only accepts irreversible payment methods: Zelle, Venmo, wire, or gift cards
- Photos are stock images or stolen from legitimate breeders (reverse image search them)
- Additional fees requested after the deposit for transport, insurance, or crates
- Seller is reluctant to arrange a video call showing the live animal
A safe response
Never send a deposit before seeing the animal via live video call with the seller. Visit the animal in person, or use a verified breeder with transparent reviews and a traceable address.
What not to send
- Deposits via Zelle, Venmo, or gift cards
- Any follow-on 'shipping insurance' or 'crate' fees
- Bank account or card details
What to do if you already replied
- If payment was by bank transfer or Zelle, contact your bank immediately — recall may be possible
- Report the seller to the platform where the ad appeared and to the FTC
- Reverse-image search the pet photos to check if they were stolen
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times