New dog owners issued stark warning about their pet
You could have been scammed, and it is easily done
Dog owners are being warned to choose carefully
(Image: Getty)
Dog owners are being warned to be very careful or risk making a big mistake. Speaking to people who are keen to get a new puppy, making them the first pet in the house, or adding a furry pal for your current dog, they warn there are red flags you need to know about.
Around this time of year, many people love to introduce a new family member into their home. The reason for this is that it is often the summer and many people are off for the holidays, making it the ideal time to help your new pup adjust.
But while you are picturing waggy tails, beach walks, and happy kids in the garden, heartless scammers are rubbing their hands together. Fraudsters know that this is peak puppy‑buying season and experts stress that this makes it the perfect storm - and they are taking full advantage.
What type of dog do you have?
(Image: Getty)
Kate Margolis, pet fraud expert and co‑founder of Petproov, who help people avoid the heart-break of scams, knows this feeling all too well.
'I handed over a £500 deposit for a gorgeous Golden Retriever pup I'd seen online,' says Kate. 'The seller then told me it had 'eaten plastic and died' and they disappeared. I was left with no puppy, no refund, and a huge hole in my heart.'
Kate quickly realised that her experience was all too common. Each day, scammers post fake listings using stolen puppy photos, fabricate emotional backstories, and employ a range of tactics to pressure unsuspecting buyers into sending money.
In a bid to help others avoid the gut-wrenching feeling of dog heartbreak, she's highlighting five warning signs every family should recognise before placing a deposit. And remember, always report listings you find suspicious.
1. 'Ready to go today"
Kate Margolis and Milo
(Image: Kate Margolis)
Scammers love urgency. They will use phrases like 'Last one left', 'Lots of interest', and 'First come, first served' to push you into paying before you have had time to think. A genuine breeder will never pressure you like this.
2. Recognise that pup?
If the puppy picture looks too perfect, it probably is. Many fraudsters swipe photos from Google, Instagram, or even genuine breeder sites. A quick reverse image search can save you hundreds – if the same pup appears in multiple adverts, it is a scam.
3. Video calls can fool you
Millions of people across the UK have at least one dog
(Image: Paul Baggaley via Getty Images)
Article continues below
A live video might feel like proof, but scammers are getting smarter. Some are now using pre‑recorded clips or even AI to fake a wagging tail on screen. Always insist on an in‑person visit before handing over money.
4. Ask for ID and verify it
Would you buy a car from someone with no name, address or paperwork? Of course not. Legit breeders are happy to provide ID, vet records, and proof of microchipping.
5. Don't bank transfer strangers
Once your money's gone, it is gone. Avoid paying anyone you've never met via bank transfer. Use secure payment methods, and if something feels off, walk away.
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New dog owners issued stark warning about their pet
New dog owners issued stark warning about their pet You could have been scammed, and it is easily done Dog owners are being warned to choose carefully (Image: Getty) Dog owners are being warned to be very careful or risk making a big mistake. Speaking to people who are keen to get a new puppy, making them the first pet in the house, or adding a furry pal for your current dog, they warn there are red flags you need to know about. Around this time of year, many people love to introduce a new family member into their home. The reason for this is that it is often the summer and many people are off for the holidays, making it the ideal time to help your new pup adjust. But while you are picturing waggy tails, beach walks, and happy kids in the garden, heartless scammers are rubbing their hands together. Fraudsters know that this is peak puppy‑buying season and experts stress that this makes it the perfect storm - and they are taking full advantage. What type of dog do you have? (Image: Getty) Kate Margolis, pet fraud expert and co‑founder of Petproov, who help people avoid the heart-break of scams, knows this feeling all too well. 'I handed over a £500 deposit for a gorgeous Golden Retriever pup I'd seen online,' says Kate. 'The seller then told me it had 'eaten plastic and died' and they disappeared. I was left with no puppy, no refund, and a huge hole in my heart.' Kate quickly realised that her experience was all too common. Each day, scammers post fake listings using stolen puppy photos, fabricate emotional backstories, and employ a range of tactics to pressure unsuspecting buyers into sending money. In a bid to help others avoid the gut-wrenching feeling of dog heartbreak, she's highlighting five warning signs every family should recognise before placing a deposit. And remember, always report listings you find suspicious. 1. 'Ready to go today" Kate Margolis and Milo (Image: Kate Margolis) Scammers love urgency. They will use phrases like 'Last one left', 'Lots of interest', and 'First come, first served' to push you into paying before you have had time to think. A genuine breeder will never pressure you like this. 2. Recognise that pup? If the puppy picture looks too perfect, it probably is. Many fraudsters swipe photos from Google, Instagram, or even genuine breeder sites. A quick reverse image search can save you hundreds – if the same pup appears in multiple adverts, it is a scam. 3. Video calls can fool you Millions of people across the UK have at least one dog (Image: Paul Baggaley via Getty Images) Article continues below A live video might feel like proof, but scammers are getting smarter. Some are now using pre‑recorded clips or even AI to fake a wagging tail on screen. Always insist on an in‑person visit before handing over money. 4. Ask for ID and verify it Would you buy a car from someone with no name, address or paperwork? Of course not. Legit breeders are happy to provide ID, vet records, and proof of microchipping. 5. Don't bank transfer strangers Once your money's gone, it is gone. Avoid paying anyone you've never met via bank transfer. Use secure payment methods, and if something feels off, walk away.
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