How to avoid puppy scams.
Fraudsters often rely on excitement, urgency and emotional pressure. Slow the process down, verify what you are being told and never let a seller rush you into sending money.
Meet the puppy and seller, complete your checks and confirm that the dog and documents are genuine before committing to a transaction.
Common warning signs
A single unusual detail does not automatically prove fraud, but several warning signs together are a strong reason to stop.
Verify the dog and seller
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Read the whole advert carefully and compare the details with everything the seller tells you.
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Meet the puppy where it lives rather than in a car park, service station or another temporary meeting place.
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For puppies, see the puppy naturally interacting with its biological mother and littermates where it was bred.
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Ask to see original health, microchip, veterinary and licensing documentation where relevant.
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Independently check information where possible rather than relying solely on screenshots supplied by a seller.
Do not mistake verification for a guarantee
ePuP account checks, badges, moderation systems and verification indicators can help reduce risk, but they cannot guarantee a seller’s honesty, legal compliance, a dog's health or the safety of a transaction.
Buyers should still meet the seller, inspect the dog and independently check relevant records.
Be careful with payments
Never send money simply because someone claims that ePuP is holding, protecting, guaranteeing or insuring the payment unless that exact service is clearly provided through an official ePuP feature.
Be suspicious of payment links sent through messages, especially where they lead to unfamiliar domains or ask you to provide banking credentials.
If you believe you have found a scam
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Stop sending money and stop engaging with suspicious payment requests.
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Preserve the advert, messages, telephone numbers, payment details, receipts and screenshots.
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Report the relevant advert using the reporting controls available on ePuP.
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If you have already transferred money, contact your bank or payment provider immediately.
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Where appropriate, report suspected fraud through the relevant official authorities.