How to avoid puppy scams

Introduction

If you’re planning to buy a puppy online, you’re probably wondering how to avoid puppy scams.

Many websites offer beautiful puppies at very attractive prices. Everything looks real, but often, these are fake listings. Once the payment is sent, the seller disappears, and the puppy never existed.

Online puppy scams have become more common in recent years, which is why more and more people are asking how to recognize a trusted service. As a result, it’s completely natural that many people start questioning which services can actually be trusted—and whether Is NewDoggy Legit?

At NewDoggy, we believe buying a puppy should feel safe and clear, not stressful. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you spot warning signs and make a smarter decision. You can also learn more about our process on our How NewDoggy Works page, read real stories on our Customer Reviews, or browse Available Puppies to see how a transparent system looks in practice.

What Are the Most Common Puppy Scam Red Flags?

To avoid puppy scams, you need to know what to look for.
Here are some of the most common warning signs:

• Unrealistically cheap or “free” puppies: If the price seems too good to be true, it usually is. Scammers often use emotional stories to justify it, like moving abroad or a family emergency.
• Unexpected extra costs: After you commit, new fees suddenly appear. These may include “shipping,” “special crates,” or “insurance.” This is a classic tactic used in puppy scams.
• Fake transport or airline companies: Some scammers create fake shipping websites to look more professional and convincing.
• Stolen or fake photos: Many listings use images taken from real breeders or social media. A quick reverse image search can often reveal the truth.
• Poor website quality: Bad grammar, strange wording, or an unprofessional site can be a red flag. Trusted breeders and services take their presentation seriously.
• Unsafe payment methods: If the seller asks for wire transfers or cash apps, be careful. These are very hard to trace and almost impossible to recover if something goes wrong.

Many families who come across these warning signs start asking a simple question: can you actually trust a service like NewDoggy?
If that’s something you’re wondering too, you can read a detailed breakdown on our Is NewDoggy Legit? page.

How to avoid being scammed

• Check reviews and references: A trustworthy seller should have real customer feedback. If there are no reviews or they all sound the same, be cautious. You can also read real experiences on our Customer Reviews page.
• Ask for recent photos or videos: If you can’t visit in person, request fresh updates. A legitimate breeder should have no problem sharing new photos or short videos of the puppy.
• Speak to the seller directly: Always ask for a phone number. A serious breeder or company will be available and willing to talk. If you can’t reach them, that’s a red flag.
• Look beyond the website: Check social media and online presence. Real businesses leave a trace: reviews, tags, and customer interactions.
• Use safe payment methods: Never send money via wire transfer or cash apps. A reliable seller will offer secure options like credit card or PayPal, which protect you as a buyer, like how protect our buyers at NewDoggy.
• Research the breed and pricing: Understanding typical prices helps you spot unrealistic offers. Extremely low prices are one of the most common signs of a scam.

Buying a puppy online doesn’t have to feel uncertain. When you know how to avoid puppy scams and choose a transparent process, everything becomes much easier.

At NewDoggy, we focus on verified breeders and safe, well-organised delivery, so you can move forward with confidence.

If you’re looking to buy from a trusted source, you can browse our Available Puppies or Contact us to get more information.