How puppy scams work
Scammers post attractive photos of puppies, often stolen from real breeders, at prices that seem like a bargain. They build a quick emotional connection, then ask for a deposit, shipping fee, "insurance" or "special crate" payment, usually by wire, gift card or cash app. Once the money is sent, the puppy never arrives, or a new fee appears. The Better Business Bureau and the FTC both warn about this pattern.
The biggest red flags
- The price is far below the market. Healthy, health-tested English Labs cost thousands, not hundreds.
- They will not talk by phone or video. Real breeders can chat and show the puppies live.
- Payment only by gift card, wire or cryptocurrency. These cannot be reversed.
- Pressure and urgency. "Only one left, pay today."
- Extra fees keep appearing. Insurance, special crate, customs, airline "clearance."
- No parent information. No photos, no health tests, no pedigree.
- Photos that appear elsewhere. Run a reverse image search.
- Generic emails and awkward writing, or a story about being overseas or on a mission.
- Many breeds, always available. That points to a puppy mill or reseller.
How to verify a breeder
- Ask for a video call, and ask them to show a puppy and a parent while you are on it.
- Search the breeder's name, phone and address, plus the word "scam."
- Check for reviews on Google and social media, and for a real history over time.
- Ask for health testing results and AKC registration details; they can be verified.
- Ask for references from previous families.
- Check that the address and phone number are consistent across the website, social media and Google listing.
Safer ways to pay
A credit card gives you the strongest protection because you can dispute a charge. Many legitimate breeders, including us, accept several payment methods. Once you have verified a breeder, use a traceable method and keep every receipt and message. Be cautious of any seller who says only wire or gift cards will do.
Never buy sight unseen without verification
Many families buy from out of state, and that can be done safely. The difference is verification: calls, live video, references, paperwork and a written agreement. See our guide on flying vs. driving for how a safe delivery works.
Get it in writing
A reputable breeder provides a contract that covers the deposit, price, health guarantee, registration, return policy and what happens if you cannot keep the dog. Read it before you pay.
What a real breeder does
- Asks you questions about your home and experience
- Offers parent info and health tests freely
- Keeps a waiting list, instead of always having puppies
- Stays in touch after pickup
Read more about how to find a good one in how to choose a Labrador breeder in North Carolina, and use our list of questions to ask a breeder.
If you think you have been scammed
Stop all payments, contact your bank or card company right away, keep all messages, and report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker. Reporting helps protect other families.
Check our details
We are a family breeder at Archer Lodge Rd in Clayton, NC, and we welcome calls, texts, video chats and visits by appointment. See about us and our Google reviews.
A quick pre-payment checklist
- Have I talked to the seller by phone, not only text or email?
- Have I seen a live video of the puppy, mother and home?
- Have I checked reviews, social media history and the address?
- Have I seen health test results and registration information?
- Is there a written contract that spells out price, deposit and health guarantee?
- Am I using a payment method with fraud protection?
If the answer to any of these is no, pause before sending money.
Fake breeder websites and stolen photos
Scam sites often look polished, with stock text and photos taken from real breeders. Look for odd details: mismatched phone numbers, brand-new domain names, no named people, no physical address, a dozen breeds for sale and reviews that all read alike. A reverse image search on Google can show whether photos appear on other sites under other names. Real breeders have a presence that goes back years.
Social media and marketplace listings
Facebook and marketplace listings can be legitimate, but they are also where many scams live. Be especially careful with posts from accounts with no history, ads in a rush to sell and sellers who push you to move off the platform and pay immediately. Insist on seeing the puppy live on video. Trust your instincts if something feels off.
Pickup and delivery safety
Whenever possible, meet in person at the breeder's home, or arrange a documented delivery with a transport plan you understand. Be skeptical of anyone who refuses to let you see where the puppy was raised, who asks you to meet in a parking lot, or who demands more money at the last moment. A real breeder wants you to feel confident.
Questions? Talk to a real person
We are happy to answer any verification question you have, before you spend a dollar. Call or text (919) 899-8917, browse our available puppies, or send us a note. There's no cost and no pressure in asking.