In 2020, scammers took advantage of the lockdowns imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and started engaging in puppy scams. These scams targeted individuals who were craving companionship in a time of isolation and vulnerability.
According to a report by Outsource2India, puppy scams continue to be widespread, despite a slight decrease in reports in 2021. The report further highlights that the average amount lost per scam has reached $1,222.13 in 2023 and 2024.
Scammers have varying financial impacts on different states, as seen in the reported average losses. Alaska tops the list with an average loss of $3,249.14 and the highest rate of scams per capita. On the other hand, Illinois had an average loss of $766.22, while Wisconsin reported an average loss of $917.50.
According to reports, scammers have a preference for certain dog breeds when carrying out their scams, with Bulldogs being the most commonly targeted breed. Bulldogs have been mentioned in scam reports a whopping 457 times.
Out of all the dog breeds mentioned in the reported scams, Labrador Retrievers have the highest number of mentions at 541. Following closely behind are Dachshunds and Pomeranians, with 329 and 194 mentions, respectively. It is worth noting that a large majority of these scams, specifically 87%, originate from online purchases. This highlights the pressing need for more rigorous vetting processes on e-commerce platforms to prevent fraudulent activities.
Facebook is responsible for 8% of reported scams, indicating the impact of social media in facilitating fraudulent activities.
Before making any payments, buyers should conduct extensive research and verify sellers to combat fraudulent activities. Mitigating the issue can be done by reporting these scams to organizations such as the Better Business Bureau.
With the increasing number of reported puppy scams, it is crucial to take action towards enforcing stricter e-commerce regulations and promoting ethical practices. These steps are necessary to safeguard prospective pet owners from becoming victims of heartless schemes.
