This scam involves fraudsters posing as pet adoption agencies orrescue centers, advertising cute animals for adoption that don’texist. Once victims express interest, scammers demand payment foradoption fees, transportation, and vaccinations—then disappear.
How This Can Happen to Us:
Scammers postfake ads on websites, social media, and even pet adoption forums.They pressure people into paying immediately, often claiming the petis in urgent need of a home. Victims realize they’ve been scammedonly when the pet never arrives.
Example of Scam:
A woman paid $500 for apuppy from an online seller who claimed it needed urgent rehoming.After paying, the seller vanished, and she never received the puppy.
How to Protect Yourself:
Adopt only from reputable animal shelters or rescue organizations.
Insist on seeing the pet in person or via video call before making payments.
Be cautious if the adoption fee is suspiciously low or there are hidden charges.
Avoid wire transfers and untraceable payment methods.