In August, Better Business Bureau released data showing a noticeable spike in puppy scams during the COVID-19 pandemic. More time at home meant time to house train puppies and help them adjust to their new surroundings. Although consumers were taking advantage of this opportunity, scammers were as well. The increase of consumers searching for pets online meant more targets and, inevitably, more money lost to scammers. Now, the holiday season is showing a spike in puppy scams once again.

More than 30 Texans reported encountering puppy scams this November, an amount considerably larger than the five reported to BBB Scam Tracker in November 2019. Almost 50% more pet scams were reported than in October, which can likely be attributed to the start of the holiday season.

Although puppy scams are becoming increasingly more common, they are not unavoidable. Red flags, such as the seller refusing to meet in person or trying to charge extra for shipping the pet, can help you recognize the scam at hand. If you’re looking to bring home a new family member, keep these tips from your Better Business Bureau in mind:

  • See the pet in person. Ask to see the pet before you send any money to the seller. If it’s not possible to see it in person because of COVID-19, ask to set up a video call where you can see the kitten or puppy. If the seller refuses to comply with this request, do not move forward with the transaction, as it is likely a scam.
  • Use reverse image search. Visit Google Images and click on the camera icon. There you can either paste the image’s URL or upload the photo to find its origin. Use this tool to determine if the seller is using stock photos on their website.
  • Do your research. Scammers may advertise pets at low prices to lure buyers in with the promise of a good deal. Shop around to get an idea of the average price for the breed you’re interested in.
  • Search local animal shelters. Consider adopting a pet from your local shelter! This provides an opportunity to give a home to a pet in need while avoiding scammers.
  • Report it. com tracks complaints in order to catalogue scammers and help take down fraudulent pet selling websites. You can also submit a report at BBB.org/ScamTracker.

For more tips on avoiding puppy scams, visit us at BBB.org!