In recent years, the rise of online shopping has provided convenience and accessibility for millions of people. Unfortunately, it has also created opportunities for scammers to prey on unsuspecting consumers, particularly those looking to adopt or purchase pets. Pet-related scams have become an ongoing issue that has affected countless individuals, leading to financial loss, emotional distress, and the potential for harm to the animals involved. Understanding why people fall for these scams, how they operate, and what steps can be taken to avoid becoming a victim is crucial for anyone looking to bring a pet into their home.
The Scope of the Fake Pet Adoption Problem
The problem of pet-related scams is vast and growing. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), complaints related to pet scams have significantly increased in recent years. The problem was especially bad during the Covid pandemic. While it is difficult to pinpoint an exact number, estimates suggest that thousands of people are duped every year into paying for non-existent animals or falling victim to fraudulent adoption schemes. The November – December holiday period is when we see most pet scammers come out to play. Scammers have become adept at manipulating emotions, leveraging the desire for companionship, and exploiting the trust people place in online marketplaces.
Pet scams can take many forms, but they generally share common traits: deceptive advertising, manipulation of emotions, and a variety of tactics to extract money from the victim. The outcome is often the same – people are left with empty wallets and broken hearts.
How Pet Purchase and Adoption Scams Operate
The methods employed by scammers vary, but they typically involve a few key elements:
Fake Advertisements
One of the most common types of pet scam occurs through online advertisements on websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or even specialized pet adoption sites. Scammers post listings for puppies, kittens, or other pets at prices that seem too good to be true. These advertisements often include photos of adorable animals, convincing descriptions, and promises of quick, hassle-free adoption. The scammers may even have an official-looking website or social media page to lend credibility to their operation.
Payment Demands
After the victim expresses interest in adopting the pet, the scammer typically requests a payment upfront, often citing reasons such as “shipping costs,” “vaccination fees,” or “pet insurance.” The victim is told that the pet is ready to be shipped, but they must first pay these fees. Once the payment is made, the scammer may request additional money for various excuses, such as sudden illness, unexpected delays, or the need for more “health checks” on the animal. Eventually, the scammer disappears, and the victim never receives the promised pet.
The “Too Good to Be True” Syndrome
Some scammers may offer high-demand or rare breeds of pets at a fraction of the expected price. This tactic plays on the desire for an exotic or hard-to-find pet without the hefty price tag. Because these offers sound too good to be true, people might overlook red flags and eagerly part with their money, hoping to get a great deal.
Fake Shelters and Rescue Organizations
Another version of pet scams involves fraudulent rescue organizations or animal shelters. In these cases, scammers may create fake adoption agencies and offer pets for “free” or for a low cost, under the condition that the adopter pays an “adoption fee” or “vet fees” upfront. The scammer may even send a convincing adoption form and provide emotional stories about the pet’s need for a home, making it harder for the victim to resist. In some cases, once the money is paid, the scammer stops responding, and the victim is left without a pet and out of pocket.
Shipping Scams
In many pet scams, the scammer will claim that the pet is located far away and must be shipped to the victim’s location. The scammer might send fake tracking numbers or supply bogus airline details to give the impression that everything is legitimate. However, after the victim makes the payment, they are either informed of further fees or simply never hear from the scammer again.
“Pet Overpayment” or “Rescue Fee” Schemes
Some scams involve the victim paying for the adoption or purchase of a pet, only for the scammer to demand additional payments. This can be a “pet overpayment” scam, where the scammer claims that the victim has accidentally overpaid and needs to send the difference back to secure the pet. The scammer may also claim that the pet needs to be released from an animal shelter or rescue group, requiring the victim to send more money to cover those fees.
Why People Fall for Pet Adoption and Pet Buying Scams
Pet scams prey on emotions—specifically, the desire for companionship and the instinct to nurture. People seeking a new pet often have high hopes and excitement about bringing an animal into their home, and scammers exploit these feelings to their advantage. Here are some reasons why people continue to fall victim to these scams:
Emotional Manipulation
Scammers are skilled at manipulating emotions, especially when the victim is eager to find a pet. They may craft stories about the animal’s hardship, abandonment, or urgent need for a loving home. This emotional appeal can cloud the victim’s judgment and make them more willing to trust the scammer.
The Appeal of “Saving a Life”
Many scams revolve around the idea of rescuing or adopting an animal, which can be especially persuasive for people who feel a strong sense of compassion for animals in need. Scammers often prey on this sense of moral responsibility, making the victim believe they are saving a life or doing something noble by adopting the pet.
Too Good to Pass Up
The promise of a rare, highly sought-after pet at an affordable price is alluring. For many people, this seems like an opportunity to acquire a pet they might not otherwise be able to afford. However, this “too good to be true” pricing is often the first sign of a scam.
Lack of Knowledge About Red Flags
Many people simply don’t know what to look for when it comes to identifying scams. Scammers are increasingly sophisticated in their tactics, using professional-looking websites and social media profiles to seem legitimate. Without proper knowledge, even the most cautious individuals may fall victim to these scams.
The Urgency Factor
Scammers often create a sense of urgency, telling the victim that the pet is in high demand, needs to be adopted immediately, or will be “gone in a day.” This pressure can cause the victim to act impulsively, skipping the necessary steps to verify the legitimacy of the offer.
How to Protect Yourself from Pet Purchasing and Pet Adoption Scams
While pet-related scams are prevalent, there are steps you can take to protect yourself:
Research the Seller
If you’re buying a pet from a breeder or adopting from a shelter, take the time to research the organization or individual. Look for reviews, check the website for legitimacy, and search for any red flags or warning signs. If the seller has a social media presence, verify their authenticity and ensure that their pet listings match their claims.
Ask for Proof
Request more pictures of the pet and ask for video calls or other live interactions with the animal. Scammers often avoid direct interaction, so a reluctance to provide this may be a red flag. Additionally, check for any inconsistencies in the pet’s information or photos.
Avoid Unnecessary Upfront Payments
Never send money for a pet before seeing it in person or verifying the legitimacy of the offer. Be wary of sellers asking for upfront payments for shipping, veterinary fees, or other costs. Reputable breeders, shelters, and rescue organizations will not demand such fees before an adoption takes place.
Use Secure Payment Methods
Always use secure payment methods that offer fraud protection, such as credit cards or trusted payment services like PayPal. Avoid using wire transfers or money orders, as these can be difficult to trace or reverse if the transaction turns out to be fraudulent.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t ignore gut feelings that tell you an offer might be too good to be true. It’s always better to be cautious and take the time to double-check details than to rush into a decision that could lead to regret.
Report Scams
If you encounter a pet scam, report it to the platform where you found the listing (e.g., Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace) and to organizations like the BBB or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Reporting helps prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
By understanding how these scams operate, recognizing the warning signs, and taking the necessary precautions, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these deceptive practices. Always approach pet adoption and purchases with caution and verify the legitimacy of offers before making any financial commitments.