06/08/2023
REPOST! —
IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO BUY A PUPPY ON FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM, HERE ARE SOME FRIENDLY TIPS TO HELP AVOID BEING SCAMMED:
* Well bred, healthy puppies are not cheap. Scammers will advertise their puppies for unreasonably cheap prices as a way to draw you in. If the price is too good to be true, it usually is.
* Reputable breeders will show you photos of the puppies parents. Scammers will usually stop responding when you ask questions they can’t answer.
* Reputable breeders are usually pretty knowledgeable about the breed.
* Scammers change their “names”, and FB pages often. If someone just opened a FB account or If they only have a few friends or likes, they are most likely scammers.
* Reputable breeders will always talk to you on the phone if you request.
* Reputable breeders aren’t going to waste their time proving they are not a scammer. Their practices and reputation should speak for itself. If someone tries too hard to show you they’re “real” by sending all sorts of unnecessary things they’re probably scamming.
* Reputable breeders will send you real time photos. Ask them to send you a photo of the puppy/puppies with a piece of paper with the current date on it! Better yet, ask to FaceTime! Scammers steal photos of cute puppies off the internet. Generic photos are a dead give away that they are a scammer.
* Ask lots of lots of questions! A reputable breeder will be happy to answer any and all questions. Scammers care more about getting your money and often will tell you what you want to hear and get upset with you for asking too many questions.
* Scammers may ask where you are located and say something like “No way! We have a puppy already headed that way. Let me know if you want us to ship your puppy at the same time as the cost of shipping has already been paid.” Don’t fall for this ploy. They want you to feel rushed into making a quick decision. Never tell someone where you are located unless they tell you where they are located first.
* A reputable breeder may advise you of their deposit, however, Scammers try to pressure you into sending them a deposit.
* If things just don’t seem right or there are red flags, don’t do it!
