'I paid £500 for a puppy - but what the seller did next made my stomach turn'

It’s the summer school holidays, and for many families, that means one thing: time to finally get that puppy the kids have been begging for. After all, the weather’s warmer, parents have more time at home, and long summer evenings are perfect for first walks.

But while you’re picturing waggy tails, beach walks, and happy kids in the garden, heartless scammers are rubbing their hands together. Fraudsters know that this is peak puppy‑buying season. Families are relaxed, emotions are running high, and people are more likely to make fast decisions. It’s the perfect storm, and they’re taking full advantage.

Kate Margolis, pet fraud expert and co‑founder of Petproov.com, knows the heartbreak firsthand. In a warning to others considering buying a dog online, she recalled her experience that left her devastated and £500 short.

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"I handed over a £500 deposit for a gorgeous Golden Retriever pup I’d seen online," says Kate. "The seller then told me it had 'eaten plastic and died' and they disappeared. I was left with no puppy, no refund, and a huge hole in my heart."

Kate soon discovered that her story is far from unusual. Every day, scammers create fake listings with stolen puppy photos, invent heart‑tugging backstories, and use every trick in the book to get unsuspecting buyers to part with their cash quickly.

Five red flags to know before paying a deposit for a puppy:

"Ready to go today"

Is the puppy 'too perfect'?

Video calls can fool you

Ask for ID and verify it

Don't bank transfer strangers

Kate explains: "Scammers love urgency. They’ll use phrases like 'last one left', 'lots of interest, and 'first come, first served' to push you into paying before you’ve had time to think. A genuine breeder will never pressure you like this."

She also said that if the puppy picture looks too perfect, it probably is. She said: "Many fraudsters swipe photos from Google, Instagram or even genuine breeder sites. A quick reverse image search can save you hundreds – if the same pup appears in multiple adverts, it’s a scam."

A live video might feel like proof, Kate warns, but scammers are getting smarter. "Some now use pre‑recorded clips or even AI to fake a wagging tail on screen. Always insist on an in‑person visit before handing over money," she said.

Stressing the importance of checking ID, Kate added: "Would you buy a car from someone with no name, address or paperwork? Of course not. Legit breeders are happy to provide ID, vet records, and proof of microchipping."

Kate also emphasised that once your money is gone, it’s gone. "Avoid paying anyone you’ve never met via bank transfer. Use secure payment methods, and if something feels off, walk away," she said.

Where is the best place to buy a puppy from?

Focus on breeders who are open about their breeding methods, conduct health tests on their dogs, and ensure their puppies are well-socialised. Look for breeders who are part of a reputable breeder scheme, as they undergo inspections and are monitored by authorities.

Feel free to inquire with breeders about their breeding methods, the health records of the puppy's parents, and how the puppies are socialised. According to Pets4homes, meeting the breeder and the puppies in person is crucial to evaluating the environment and the puppies' condition. Be cautious of breeders who push you to make a hasty decision or seem too eager to sell.

Shelters and rescue groups usually offer a mix of breeds and ages, including puppies. Adoption fees are typically less than what you'd pay to a breeder, and they often include vaccinations, microchipping, and sometimes even spaying or neutering, according to the RSPCA. By adopting from a shelter, you contribute to decreasing the number of dogs that need homes.

What can I do if I think I've been scammed?

If you think you've been scammed, it's really important to move fast to reduce any losses and avoid more damage. Start by reaching out to your bank or payment provider right away to let them know what happened and possibly halt any transactions that are still going. Next, make sure to report the scam to the right authorities, like Action Fraud in the UK. Lastly, safeguard your accounts and personal info by updating your passwords and keeping an eye on your credit report.