At First Financial, we know how much joy a new furry friend can bring. If you’re looking to adopt a pet online, be cautious. Pet adoption scams are on the rise, and can leave aspiring pet owners with their hearts broken, wallets drained – and one big financial headache.

These scams typically occur online through fake websites, social media posts, or classified ads. Scammers will post adorable photos of animals that aren’t real or aren’t available – to lure you into paying for adoption fees, shipping costs, and/or vaccinations. Once you send the money, the scammer will disappear or “ghost” you, and you’ll unfortunately never get your desired pet.

According to the Better Business Bureau, thousands of aspiring pet parents fall victim to puppy adoption scams and similar fraud each year. Victims report losing anywhere from $500 to $2,000 per scam, often without any recourse for recovery.

Whether you’re searching for a rescue or a purebred pet, it’s important to understand the red flags of fraudulent listings before sending any money.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Be sure to watch out for these common warning signs of a scam:

• Too-good-to-be-true offers. Purebred puppies or exotic pets listed at a low cost or as “free to a good home.”
• Unusual payment methods. Scammers will often ask for wire transfers, gift cards, Venmo, or Zelle – all methods that are hard to trace.
• No video calls or visits. The “seller” avoids letting you see the pet in real time or meet in person.
• Pushy tactics. You’re pressured to pay quickly before someone else “claims” the pet.
• Shipping costs. Many times, the scammer will want to ship the pet – charging you more for shipping fees, vet clearance, etc.

How to Avoid Pet Adoption Scams

Before you click “send” on any payment, follow these tips to protect yourself:

1. Research the rescue agency or breeder. Look for reviews, verify their business license, and check for complaints on BBB.org.
2. Never pay with untraceable methods. Use a credit card or secure payment system that offers fraud protection.
3. Insist on an in-person meetup. There are plenty of animals waiting to be adopted. Only adopt one that you’ve met in real life.
4. Avoid emotional decisions. Scammers will prey on your love for animals. Take your time and don’t let urgency cloud your judgment.
5. Adopt locally when possible. Visit your local animal shelter or reputable rescue organization in person.

What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you think you’ve been the victim of a pet adoption scam, take immediate action:

• Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov) and Better Business Bureau.
• Contact your financial institution to try to reverse or stop any payments.
• File a police report, especially if significant funds were involved.

Protecting You & Your Finances

First Financial cares about your financial safety and well-being. Before you adopt, take a moment to ensure you’re working with a trusted source. If you ever have questions about suspicious transactions on any of your First Financial accounts or protecting your financial information, our team is here to help. Contact us, stop into your local branch, or visit our website for more financial wellness tips.