MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – As the holiday season approaches, many families are thinking about that special gift everyone will remember — a new puppy or kitten under the tree with a festive bow tied to their collar.
But before you get carried away with visions of a fluffy new addition to the family, the Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to beware of real-life Grinches using photos of what you think are adorable pets ready for adoption.
In reality, it’s just a scam.
And unfortunately, BBB of Eastern Carolinas spokesperson Nicole Cordero says it happens all the time.
“They’re always around the top of our list of scams that people fall for, and it’s very consistent on the BBB Scam Tracker, especially in our area of the Grand Strand and North and South Carolina… but we see it ramp up during Christmas,” she says.
Much of it is happening online through Facebook pet groups, Facebook Marketplace, and fake listings for dogs in need of rehoming for little to no money.
But the “owner” doesn’t freely share additional info; instead, they ask potential buyers to send them a private message.
But it also goes beyond social media. Some scammers are even popping up on more mainstream pet sites, like PetFinder, but they’re also turning up in your search results.
The BBB says you also need to think twice before trusting what pops up at the top of your Google searches because experts say about 80% of online ads for pets are fake.
“The top breeds that we see reported on the Scam Tracker [are] yorkies, dachshunds, French bulldogs— basically any purebred dog is also a really big target,” Cordero explains.
To avoid becoming a victim, experts recommend doing a reverse image search before making any kind of payment.
You should also be suspicious if a breeder asks for upfront payment or offers a deal that seems too good to be true.
Purebred animals are not cheap. For example, Spot Pet Insurance says the average cost of a purebred French bulldog from a reputable breeder in 2025 is $2500-$4000. But the price can be much higher for rarer coat colors.
So, if someone is advertising a Frenchie puppy for the low price of $500, you may be dealing with a scammer.
Another way to spot a scammer? They want a deposit up front, before you even see or meet the animal. And they only accept payment through wire transfer, gift cards, or less secure payment methods like CashApp and PayPal.
“In one report we received, a consumer found a Westy puppy that they really wanted. There was a really great price for the puppy, about $650. But then it would be $150 to ship the dog from Massachusetts to the state where the consumer lived,” Cordero says, “But the big red flag is that they only accept payment for all of this— close to $800-$900 total, only via Zelle or Venmo.”
“And if you do send the money, it’s basically like sending cash. So it’s really hard to get that money back. Plus, the pet doesn’t exist. So, you’re paying a fake breeder. They have your personal information, they have your credit card info, and you’re likely not going to get that money back,” she adds.
Unfortunately, falling for a pet scam brings another layer of pain — it’s not just about the money.
“It hits really close to home,” Cordero explains. “You’re expecting to add someone to your family, and the kids are probably expecting a dog. Then, it’s not real, so you’re totally loss. It’s a very big issue for the whole family.”
To make sure the puppy you’ve fallen in love with is real, the BBB says to remember this advice:
“The biggest thing that we would suggest is to see the puppy before you pay anything or buy anything— flat out. If it isn’t possible, and you don’t live in the same state as that breeder, you need to be having a video chat. If they try and give you excuses, that is not gonna fly,” Cordero says. “You need to see that animal in real-time to make sure it exists.”
To be safe— while also making an impact close to home— check out your local humane society or animal shelter.
To ease overcrowding, shelters will hold free or low-cost adoption days to make it even easier to welcome a new pet into your family.
If you’re set on a specific breed, do your research. Start by doing a search on BBB Scam Tracker before you buy.
Check breeder accreditation through the American Kennel Club, National Association of Animal Breeders, and/or Purdue University’s Canine Care Certified program.
You can also vet the legitimacy of a rescue organization by looking into whether they are registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit and verifying through evaluators like BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
For even more tips and resources from the Better Business Bureau on Pet Scams and how to avoid them, click here.
If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a scam, you can report it through the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker.
For additional resources and support, check out the BBB Scam Survival Toolkit, which provides a personalized step-by-step plan to guide you through the recovery process.
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