Puppy Scams: What are the signs?

Avoiding puppy scams is crucial to ensure that you get a healthy and happy puppy while also preventing financial loss. Here are some tips to help you avoid puppy scams:

1. Research Breeds and Prices:

• Familiarize yourself with the breed you’re interested in, including common characteristics and average prices. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Use Reputable Websites:

• Stick to well-known and reputable websites when searching for a puppy. Avoid using classified ad sites that don’t thoroughly vet their listings.

3. Visit the Breeder:

• Whenever possible, visit the breeder in person to see the living conditions of the puppies and meet the puppies’ parents. Legitimate breeders are open to visits.
•  If visiting is not an option always request a FaceTime or video chat to see the facilities and puppies in real time.

4. Ask for References:

• Request references from the breeder and contact previous buyers to inquire about their experiences. Legitimate breeders will have satisfied customers willing to vouch for them.

5. Avoid Unusual Payment Methods:

• Be cautious if the seller insists on using wire transfers, money orders, or other unconventional payment methods. Use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as credit cards or PayPal.

6. Beware of Urgency:

• Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure buyers into making quick decisions. Be skeptical of sellers who claim they need to rehome the puppy urgently.

7. Check for Red Flags in Communication:

• Poor grammar, misspellings, and generic responses can be indicators of a scam. Legitimate breeders typically communicate professionally.

8. Google Search the Seller:

• Search for the seller’s name, email address, or phone number online. If they have been involved in scams before, you may find warnings from other potential victims.

9. Ask for Health Records:

• Request copies of the puppy’s health records and vaccination history. A reputable breeder will provide this information willingly.

10. Be Wary of Low Adoption Fees:

• Scammers often lure buyers with unrealistically low prices. Be suspicious if the cost of the puppy is significantly lower than the average for that breed.

11. Trust Your Instincts:

• If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and reconsider the transaction.

Remember, the key is to do thorough research and ask plenty of questions. Reputable breeders are usually more than willing to provide information and ensure that their puppies go to loving homes.

In the past 7 years of selling Bernedoodles we have experienced many cases of our photos being stolen and used on scam sites. Often, one of our past customers or someone that has been following us on Instagram for years will recognize our Bernedoodle puppies on a random site and will let us know that our photos are being used without our permission. We have tried watermarking our photos only to have the scammers remove it. Sadly, even reporting the scam pages does not work since they technically do not go against the community guidelines. This all to say, we want to make the adoption process of one of our sweet Bernedoodle puppies a stress free and happy one. We highly encourage you to come visit us in person or schedule a FaceTime to see our beautiful dogs and facilities in real time.

Here is an example of a site that has stolen many of our photos and promoted them as their own. However, they have given themselves away by posting a photo of a family carrying our puppy go-home bag with our logo and name on it. Always be sure to pay attention to any inconsistencies within posts.