Beware of Puppy Scams: How to Safely Find Your New Furry Friend
The excitement of bringing home a new puppy can sometimes overshadow the need for caution, especially when buying online. Unfortunately, puppy scams are on the rise, with scammers preying on eager buyers through fake listings, fraudulent breeders, and deceptive websites. At Bredwell Puppies, we are committed to ethical breeding and educating buyers on how to avoid scams. Here’s everything you need to know about puppy scams and how to ensure you’re purchasing from a reputable, registered breeder.
Common Types of Puppy Scams
1. Fake Listings and Websites
Scammers create professional-looking websites and classified ads showcasing adorable puppies at unusually low prices. These sites often steal images from legitimate breeders to appear authentic. Once a buyer shows interest, scammers demand upfront payment and disappear once they receive the money.
2. No Physical Meeting Allowed
A legitimate breeder will always allow you to visit the puppy or offer a live video call to meet the litter and mother. Scammers, on the other hand, make excuses such as COVID restrictions or other fabricated reasons to avoid direct interactions.
3. Deposit Scams
Buyers are asked to pay a deposit to ‘secure’ a puppy, but once the payment is made, the scammer disappears. In some cases, they continue requesting additional fees for insurance, vaccinations, or transport.
4. Fake Transport Fees
Scammers sometimes claim to have arranged transport for the puppy but will ask for more money for supposed last-minute issues, such as increased airline fees, crate upgrades, or health certificates.
5. Overpayment Scams
In this scam, the scammer poses as a buyer and overpays for a puppy with a fraudulent cheque. They then ask the seller to refund the extra amount before the bank realises the cheque has bounced.
How to Identify a Reputable, Registered Breeder
1. Look for a Victorian Minister Approved Breeder
In Australia, legitimate breeders are registered with their local council or government authorities. At Bredwell Puppies, we are Victorian Minister Approved Breeders, which means we meet the highest welfare and ethical breeding standards.
2. Verify the Breeder’s Registration
A reputable breeder will be able to provide proof of registration, their Pet Exchange Register (PER) number, and other credentials. Always check official databases to verify their legitimacy.
3. Ask for Health Guarantees and DNA Testing
Responsible breeders conduct health screenings on their breeding dogs and provide buyers with DNA results. At Bredwell Puppies, we offer a three-year genetic health guarantee to ensure you receive a healthy puppy.
4. Insist on Seeing the Parents and the Environment
Reputable breeders allow buyers to visit the puppies, meet the parents, or at the very least, provide live video calls. Scammers often avoid these interactions.
5. Check for the Animal Welfare Approved Commercial Breeder Logo
Ethical breeders display the Animal Welfare Approved Commercial Breeder logo, which signifies that they adhere to high welfare standards. This logo indicates that the breeder prioritises animal health, socialisation, and ethical breeding practices. Learn more about the Victorian Government Approved logo here
How to Protect Yourself from Puppy Scams
1. Be Cautious of Unbelievably Low Prices
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Purebred or highly sought-after breeds like Cavoodles, Spoodles, Groodles, and Moodles come with standard pricing due to ethical breeding costs.
2. Never Send Money Without Verifying the Breeder
Scammers often request deposits via direct bank transfers or PayPal ‘Friends and Family’ payments to avoid chargebacks. Always pay through secure methods and only after verifying the breeder.
3. Research the Breeder Thoroughly
Search for reviews on Google, Facebook, and breeder directories. Be wary of breeders with no online presence or limited information.
4. Avoid Dealing Solely Over Email or Text
Legitimate breeders will be open to phone calls or live video chats. If a seller refuses to communicate beyond email or text, it’s a red flag.
5. Request a Written Contract
A reputable breeder provides written agreements detailing health guarantees, spay/neuter policies, and return-to-breeder policies. Scammers rarely provide such documentation.
What to Do If You Encounter a Puppy Scam
1. Report the Scam
If you come across a suspicious listing, report it to platforms like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, or the ACCC’s Scamwatch (https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/).
2. Warn Others
Leaving reviews or posting on forums about your experience can prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
3. Contact Your Bank
If you have made a payment to a scammer, contact your bank immediately to see if you can reverse the transaction.
Why Choosing Bredwell Puppies Ensures a Safe Adoption
At Bredwell Puppies, we prioritise ethical breeding and transparency. When you purchase a puppy from us, you can rest assured that:
- You’re dealing with a Victorian Minister Approved Breeder.
- Our breeding dogs are DNA-tested and health-screened.
- We provide a three-year genetic health guarantee.
- We offer nationwide delivery with trusted pet transport companies.
- Our puppies are raised in a loving and socialised environment.
Finding a puppy should be an exciting and joyful experience, but scammers can make it stressful. By staying informed and vigilant, you can ensure you bring home a happy, healthy puppy from a legitimate, registered breeder.
If you’re looking for a responsibly bred Cavoodle, Groodle, Spoodle, Moodle contact us today or visit our website for more details.
For more information, visit Scamwatch Australia for the latest scam alerts. To view our Puppies For Sale click here
For more information, visit our website or contact us directly. We look forward to helping you find your perfect furry companion.