Just a few years in the past, Santa Claus introduced my daughter a pet.
Yep, on the morning of her ninth Christmas, Carina got here downstairs and there he was, a three-month-old rat terrier/mini pinscher combine curled up in a crate.
She had been asking Santa Claus for a pet for years, and though he had introduced her a sequence of stuffed pups, she was relentless.
And I used to be a sucker who needed my child lady to imagine within the magic only one extra 12 months.
Moses has now been a beloved member of our household for 12 years (though, notice to self: by no means undertake a terrier/pinscher combine once more).
And it seems the vacation season is a well-liked time so as to add furry associates to the household.
On-line searches for puppies skyrocket by 44% throughout the countdown to Christmas, based on 2019 information from Canines Belief, the U.Okay.’s largest canine welfare charity.
That is one cause accounts of pet fraud additionally enhance, says the Higher Enterprise Bureau (BBB), particularly with regards to the most well-liked breeds.
German shepherds are a well-liked breed scammers use to entice animal lovers.
Joyful Monkey/Shutterstock
Scammers goal the most well-liked breeds
French bulldogs, dachshunds, and German shepherds are beloved breeds that scammers use to bait pet lovers on pretend web sites and social media profiles throughout the vacation season, based on the brand new BBB announcement.
1000’s of fraudulent websites and social channels have sprung up throughout the nation, and lots of of them impersonate reputable breeders and companies, the BBB discovered.
Scammers exploit individuals’s compassion, and so they know find out how to pull at heartstrings — particularly utilizing images and tales of weak pets — to immediate patrons to behave quick and half with their cash.
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“When you are looking to add a pet to your family it can be a very emotional experience, that’s why it’s so important to do all of your research before you make a purchasing decision,” BBB spokesperson Melanie McGovern informed TheStreet.
“Knowing price, reputation, and the red flags of scams will help those looking to add a pet to their family stay safe when shopping.”
Scammers typically demand cash from empathetic individuals, McGovern says, claiming that the animal shall be harmed if they do not pay additional.
The price of pet fraud
The vast majority of scammers function from exterior the U.S., however goal American shoppers, says the BBB, including that scams might be very costly:
- Median loss is substantial: The median loss for pet scams was $600 in 2025. That’s down from $750 in 2022, suggesting elevated client consciousness however a continued threat.
- BBB pet rip-off studies: Pet rip-off studies spiked in recent times, peaking at 2,899 in 2023, earlier than dropping to 2,278 in 2024 and 1,632 by September 2025.
“Due to the emotional funding, shoppers are extra weak to being taken benefit of with regards to a cute cuddly pet than with another buy. Take time to coach your self on the hallmarks of a reputable and accountable breeder,” American Kennel Club spokesperson Lisa Peterson shared in an announcement.
A dog is a living, breathing being you will have to take care of for 10 years or more, reminds Peterson, so bringing one into your home should never be done on a whim or just because you found a good deal.
Pet scam red flags
BBB experts highlight several warning signs that should make consumers think twice before shopping for a pup:
- Prices that seem “too good to be true” on popular breeds
- Sellers who refuse in-person meetings or video calls
- Extra charges for cages, transport, vaccinations, or “special shipping”
- Use of terms like “teacup” in ads to add urgency or perceived rarity
- High-pressure tactics, including threats that animals will be harmed if more money is not sent
How to avoid getting scammed
Like most things in life, if anything about the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Experts like McGovern and Peterson urge consumers to do their homework. If you know that an American Kennel Club-registered German Shepherd puppy can cost $2,000 or more, and you find one advertised for a couple hundred bucks, assume it is not legitimate.
Always run a “reverse search” on the photos in ads or social media postings. Pet scammers often recycle photos or steal them from breeders or other websites.
The digital marketplace has made it easier for all sorts of scams to proliferate, and losing money is just one of the risks.
Pet experts advise doing research and maybe even consider adopting from a local shelter instead of looking for a good deal on a specific breed.
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