#StopPetFraud: Protect yourself from pet scams
Online pet scams are skyrocketing, with many buyers left heartbroken and out of pocket. At PetProov, we believe it’s time to take a stand. Scammers are taking advantage of the growing demand for pets, with fraudsters luring buyers into paying for pets that don’t exist. Up to 80% of online pet listings could be fraudulent, leading to devastating consequences for unsuspecting pet lovers.
Every year, thousands of innocent animals and well-intentioned buyers fall victim to unethical breeders and great breeders fall subject to time wasting buyers.
Spotting the Scams
Prices too good to be true: Bargain pets may seem tempting, but low prices often indicate scams. Always check market rates for breeds and be cautious of deep discounts.
No meetups: Genuine sellers will arrange meetings and video calls with the pet. If a seller refuses or delays a meet-up, walk away.
Pressure tactics: Scammers often create urgency by claiming someone else is ready to buy. If you’re being rushed, it’s time to pause and reassess.
Untraceable payments: Be suspicious of anyone asking for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or untraceable apps. Use secure and traceable methods like debit (bank depending) or credit cards.
Check their website: Fake websites are common in pet scams. Look for inconsistent details, missing contact info, and stolen images. Always double-check by searching for independent review or conducting a reverse search image look- up.
How You Can Stay Safe
Research: Read up on the breeder or seller. A quick search online could save you from heartache later. Check buyers social media and create a list of questions for them to answer.
Ask for a video call: Legitimate breeders or buyers won’t hesitate to show you the pet over a video call but we encourage you visit the animal in person at least once. If buying a puppy, kitten or rabbit under 8 weeks of age, ensure you see the young animal interacting with their mum.
Use secure payments: Stick to payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as PayPal, credit cards and some debit cards. (We recommend you seriously consider the lifetime cost before taking on a pet. Please don't get yourself into financial difficulties)
How PetProov can help solve this problem.
At PetProov, we use cutting-edge AI technology to verify breeders, buyers and adopters. Our mission is simple: create transparency and trust across the pet industry. With our #StopPetFraud campaign, we’re empowering buyers to make informed decisions, giving breeders a platform to showcase their credibility and ensuring that pets find the loving homes they deserve.
We’re passionate about stopping fraud and building a safe, reliable pet community. Join us in creating a world where pet fraud is no longer a risk—because your next pet transaction should come with peace of mind, not doubt.
Visit PetProov to learn more about how we’re fighting pet fraud one verified transaction at a time.
#StopPetFraud once and for all.