TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE? IT PROBABLY ISN'T! AVOIDING SCAMS

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I am an old-school breeder. I like to talk to people about my dogs, and especially my FRENCHIES. If someone is interested in a Frenchie puppy, I spend a lot of time chatting with them, not texting or emailing, although both of these have their place. If possible, I try to meet them, or at a minimum, do several FaceTime visits.  

I bred dogs for over 40 years without a website or Facebook page. I preferred to work by referral - but the dog world is now entirely online, and this is a mixed blessing. The advantages are obvious. The dark side is that it has created a scammer's paradise. It's estimated that nearly half of online puppy transactions are actually puppy scams. This makes my blood boil and creates so much heartache. 

I want to tell you how to avoid puppy scams. 

Online puppy scams  rely entirely on adorable puppy photos posted on glitzy websites and Facebook/Instagram pages that capture your imagination and heart. 

Here is a list of red flags. Knowledge is power. 

Scams fall into two general categories. The first is selling you a sick or inferior puppy while promising a healthy one. 

The second has only one objective - to take your money.

1. Scammers may or may not have real dogs and puppies. Ask for Facetime with the sellers and their puppies, not just photos or videos posted online. 
2. The puppy price is a lot lower than other breeders' pups. THIS IS TO LURE YOU IN, ESPECIALLY WITH EXPENSIVE BREEDS.  A well-bred Frenchie will cost several thousand dollars minimum. If you hear "I just want the puppies to go to good homes," walk away. A purchase price well below what other breeders are asking for their puppies is a huge red flag
3. The scammer wants a deposit before they will speak with you
4. The scammer will pressure you to act quickly and send money 
5. The scammer will generally only communicate by text or email
6. The scammer will not supply a vet reference or proof of genetic testing, no matter how many times you ask
7. The scammer may ask for deposits or balances to be paid by Western Union, bitcoin or gift cards
8. The scammer will not give an address, or allow you to visit, citing "security" concerns. This may be legit - but Facetime should be non negotiable if this is the case
9. The scammer is hard to reach after a deposit is paid or is not responsive to your emails and text messages

YOUR DUE DILIGENCE SHOULD INCLUDE:

1. Ask for client and vet references AND CALL THEM before sending any funds
2. Ask each reference specific questions about their dog. Any hesitation can indicate a fake reference
3. Do a brief internet search on the 'breeder'
4. Be prepared to ask the breeder questions about their breeding program. Who does the genetic testing? How many litters does each female have? Ask them to describe their puppy raising protocols, and how they evaluate puppies. Ask about a health guarantee. If the breeder's answers are not detailed and specific, they are either scammers or a really lousy breeder. Ask about the worming and vaccination schedules. Any hesitation is a huge red flag, as these are integral to raising healthy puppies.
5. Insist on a Face Time if you can't meet personally. 
6. If the breeder is meeting you somewhere to deliver a puppy, ask for photos of both their driver's license and also the license plate number of the vehicle they will be driving to meet you. If they are legit, this can help prevent confusion on pick-up day. If it's a scam, no way will they give that info. 
7. Ask for the deposit and sales agreements BEFORE you send any money. If the breeder does not use written agreements, ask for an email that summarizes everything you have discussed with the breeder about the puppy - price, vaccinations and health guarantees, temperament testing, etc. If this is not forthcoming, I would advise you to seek another breeder.
8. Be cautious. Don't be so eager for a puppy that you ignore your own misgivings. If the breeder seems irritated by your questions and document requests, or offers one personal problem after another for not complying with your requests, find another breeder. Despite all the scammers, there are plenty of honest and dedicated breeders out there.