When puppy scams became popular during the COVID pandemic in 2020, scammers took advantage of the seclusion of lockdowns to target individuals in need of company.
According to a research from Outsource2India, puppy scams were still common even though there were a few less reports in 2021. In 2023 and 2024, the average amount lost per scam was $1,222.13.
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States differ greatly in the financial consequences of various scams. Notably, Illinois had the largest average loss of $766.22, while Alaska had the most average loss per scam at $3,249.14 and the highest rate of scams per capita. The average loss in Wisconsin was $917.50.
Targeted Breeds and Online Platforms
According to reports, scammers prefer to target particular dog breeds for their schemes; 457 scam reports indicate bulldogs as the most common target.
With 329 and 194 mentions, respectively, Dachshunds and Pomeranians come next. The necessity for stricter vetting procedures on e-commerce platforms is highlighted by the fact that 87% of frauds start with online purchases.
Additionally, social media is involved; 8% of reported scams occur on Facebook.
Addressing the Puppy Scam Problem
Before making any payments, purchasers must thoroughly investigate suppliers and prevent these fraudulent practices. The problem can be lessened by reporting these scams to agencies such as the Better Business Bureau.
Enforcing stronger e-commerce laws and encouraging moral behavior are some of the first measures in preventing future pet owners from being victims of these callous schemes, as the number of reported puppy scams keeps increasing.
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