Puppy Scams in 2025: How to Spot Red Flags and Find a Great Breeder

Puppy buying is at an all-time high, and with that popularity comes an alarming number of scams. The convenience of technology makes it easy to research and buy puppies online, but purchasing a puppy without ever seeing it in person can feel risky. Scammers know this and have found ways to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers.

The good news is that when you know what to look for, it’s not hard to tell the difference between a scammer and a responsible breeder. Let’s go over the red flags to avoid and the qualities that signal you’ve found a breeder you can trust.

Red Flags to Watch For

One of the first warning signs is when a seller refuses to talk on the phone. Honest breeders want to get to know you and will be more than happy to answer questions over a call or video chat. Scammers, on the other hand, often stick to email or messaging apps, especially if they’re outside the country.

Another common tactic is stolen photos. Many scam sites lift pictures directly from legitimate breeders. In fact, websites like bellapuppies (dot) com have stolen both text and images from reputable sites in the past. If you’re unsure, try a reverse image search on Google, Bing Visual Search, or TinEye. If the same picture pops up on multiple unrelated websites, chances are high that it’s been stolen.

In 2025, scammers have become more advanced. Some even use AI-generated photos and videos that look shockingly real. So its important to spot the difference between an AI photo and a real one.  Others create fake “delivery company” websites to trick buyers into paying additional shipping fees. Always double-check the shipping company independently and never rely solely on a link provided by the seller.

Be cautious about how you’re asked to pay. If a breeder insists on wire transfers, Zelle, or gift cards, it’s almost always a scam. Reputable breeders typically accept secure methods such as PayPal or credit card, which give you options to dispute charges if something goes wrong.

Lastly, beware of prices that seem too good to be true. Maltipoos, for example, usually cost over $1,000 from a responsible breeder. When you see them listed for $500 or $600, it’s often fraud. While there are exceptions, the overwhelming majority of “discount puppies” online are scams.

Signs of a Great Breeder

Just as there are red flags, there are also clear green lights that show you’re dealing with someone trustworthy.

Good breeders are transparent. They’ll gladly hop on a video call to show you the puppies in real time,not just pre-recorded clips. If you’re suspicious, you can ask them to do something live, like hold up today’s newspaper or interact with the puppy in a specific way. This helps prove the video is genuine and not AI-generated or stolen footage.

Reviews and referrals are another key indicator. Reputable breeders encourage you to check their Facebook page, Google listing, or other platforms where buyers can leave feedback. Scammers rarely have more than a handful of followers, no comments, and very few posts.

Most importantly, great breeders take their time with you. They want to answer all of your questions about the breed, the parents, and the puppies’ health. They’ll also ask you questions to make sure you’re a good fit for one of their dogs. A pushy seller who demands a deposit right away is a sign to walk away.

Responsible breeders also provide a written health guarantee. This shows they’re confident in the health of their dogs and committed to supporting you long after the sale. While many breeders offer one- or two-year guarantees, some go further. At My Doodle Maltipoos, for example, we offer a 10-year health guarantee because we stand behind our breeding program.

Practical Tools for Buyers

Here are a few quick ways to protect yourself in 2025:

• Reverse Image Search: Upload photos to Google Images, Bing Visual Search, or TinEye to see if they appear elsewhere.

• WHOIS Lookup: Check when the breeder’s website was created. Scam sites are often only a few months old.

• Verify Social Presence: Look for consistent posting, genuine comments, and interaction with previous buyers.

Trust Your Gut

We live in an age where information is only a click away, but that doesn’t mean everything you find online is accurate. Scammers are getting smarter, but the basics still hold true: a trustworthy breeder will communicate openly, provide proof of their puppies, and make you feel comfortable with the process.

After all the research, tools, and advice, the best protection is your own intuition. If something feels off,even if the website looks polished or the seller sounds convincing, listen to your gut. Buying a puppy is a big decision, and you deserve to feel confident every step of the way.