Don’t get scammed: the heartbreaking truth about fake pet ads that could cost you thousands

There are many scams out there, including fake websites that pretend to sell pets that aren’t real. Before buying a pet online, check the website carefully to avoid losing your money and getting your heart broken.

Watch out for super low prices

Scammers try to grab your attention with super low prices. Since they don’t have real pets to sell, they don’t worry about competing with real sellers. If the price seems too good to be true, be extra careful.

Most websites have an “About Us” page with details about the business and staff, and fake websites often copy this too. They might even include logos for Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, but these logos may just take you back to the website’s main page or lead nowhere.

Some fake sites even create fake social media profiles, but these are usually easy to spot. Look for accounts that are thin on content or not active.

Be careful with payment apps

Paying with Zelle is very risky, especially if you don’t know the person. The same goes for using Venmo, PayPal Friends and Family, or other payment methods that don’t offer refunds if something goes wrong. If a seller insists on using these options instead of a safer one, like PayPal Goods and Services, it’s a big warning sign.

Always research the business

Search the business name online, adding words like “scam” or “reviews.” The top result is usually the business’s website, but look at the other results to see if people have reported scams or shared their experiences. Remember, there’s a difference between bad reviews and an actual scam.

The website Pet Scams has a list of fake pet websites. While it’s a great resource, it’s not complete, so check other sites like Scam Adviser, Website Validator, and URL Void for more information.

Use the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker

The BBB Scam Tracker is a great tool that not many people use. You can search for any website and see if others have reported it as a scam. You can also read their stories about how they were tricked. Just type the business name into the search bar.

Verify your tracking number

Be cautious of suspicious shipping websites. Many fake pet sites work with fake delivery sites and may even give you a tracking number. These scams often ask for strange payments, like extra charges for a special pet carrier or vaccine records.

Don’t pay for anything until you’ve confirmed the tracking number with trusted carriers like UPS, FedEx, or USPS. Always type the tracking number directly into the official mail carrier’s website instead of clicking on a link.