: Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to help prevent others from being targeted. PayPal's Purchase Protection Program
: A common scam involves the "breeder" asking for more money after the initial deposit for "special climate-controlled crates," "insurance," or "COVID-19 vaccines" before the puppy can be shipped.
Buying a puppy with PayPal is possible, but it is one of the most common ways people are targeted by online pet scams. To protect yourself, you must use specific payment settings and verify the breeder’s legitimacy before sending any funds. Choosing the Correct Payment Type buying a puppy with paypal
: If a breeder claims they cannot accept "Goods and Services" due to fees or tax reasons, this is a major red flag. Legitimate businesses factor these fees into their pricing.
: Log in to the PayPal Resolution Center and select "Report a Problem" to start a claim for a refund. : Report the incident to the Federal Trade
: If they send an invoice, ensure it comes directly through the PayPal platform and includes a detailed description of the "item" (the puppy, breed, and age).
Scammers often use high-pressure tactics or fake documents to trick buyers. Watch out for these warning signs: To protect yourself, you must use specific payment
: Always use this option. This setting qualifies your purchase for PayPal Purchase Protection . If the breeder never sends the puppy or if the dog is significantly different from what was described, you can file a claim in the PayPal Resolution Center .