How to avoid pet scams on KSL Classifieds

KSL Classifieds is one of the few classifieds sites that hosts pet listings. We’re proud to help users find new furry (and scaly and feathered) friends and local pets find a home. It’s just one of the many things that sets us apart from other sites. Unfortunately, like those other sites, KSL Classifieds has scammers lurking amongst our well intentioned users. 

Pet scams have a lot of the same qualities as other online scams, and you should use the same precautions you would for any other listing on KSL Classifieds. But pets tug on our heartstrings just a bit more than used Playstations, and this can often cause users to listen to their heart over their head when they otherwise might not. This guide will help you avoid fraud when looking for your next pet. 

How to spot a pet scam 

These are some of the most common ways that you can identify a potential scammer. This list is not comprehensive, and a pet scam may involve more than one of these elements. 

The seller will only communicate over text, and won’t meet up

This is the most common element of all pet fraud cases. The seller is usually trying to sell you a pet that doesn’t exist, so they’ll make excuses not to show you the pet until they have your money. The excuses can vary, but the bottom line is that a real, reliable seller or breeder will let you see the pet in person. 

This is doubly important, because a visit to the seller’s home lets you see that the pet is living in healthy conditions. Yes, the seller’s home. Unlike with most KSL Classifieds transactions, which we advise take place in public places, it’s best to visit a pet seller’s or breeder’s home to ensure that they are treating their pets well. For more information on how to identify a responsible breeder, read our responsible breeders guide. 

The deal sounds too good to be true

A basic rule of thumb for all online scams is that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This is especially true in the world of pet buying, where everyday folks are usually in the dark about the pricing of different breeds. Do some diligent research on the price of the breed you’re looking at. If their asking price is way too high, you’re either dealing with a scammer or a disreputable breeder, both of which should be avoided. 

They’ll ask for money before you’ve seen the pet

They might tell you that puppies, kittens or bunnies are going fast and that you’ve got to send your deposit in quickly to get one. Don’t do it. Only after you’ve seen the pet in person and met the seller should you put any money towards a deposit or down payment. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to make you act on emotion and ignore your better judgment. If a seller you haven’t met in person is pressuring you for a payment, it’s probably a scam. 

The pet is free if you pay for shipping

This common pet scam tactic involves putting a pet up for adoption and asking you to pay only for shipping. The pet isn’t real, and the “shipping” process will often involve some unexpected expenses, like a temperature controlled crate or shipping insurance. You might even be sent to an official-looking website as proof that the shipping company is real. Some particularly cruel scammers will even threaten to report you to the police for animal abandonment if you back out on your agreement, and even use this threat to extort you for more money. These types of threats are not typical of honest sellers. 

They have a sob story

The sob story may have to do with why they are giving away or selling their pet (got it for a family member who then passed) or why they can’t meet in person (can’t take time away from a sick/injured family member). Add these stories to the emotional pull of that cute little animal on your screen, and it might be just enough to trick you. But at the end of the day, someone who’s actually interested in selling a pet will find a way to prove the pet exists and will work with your interests, not against them. 

What to do if you think you’re being scammed

If you find a pet listing on KSL Classifieds that you suspect is a scam, flag the listing and select “Fraud” as the reason. If a fraudulent seller sends you to another website that you suspect is a fake shipper or breeder, report the pet scammer’s site to the Better Business Bureau, Federal Trade Commision and/or PetScams.com. If you’re looking to avoid scams before they start, be vigilant about dealing with responsible breeders or consider adopting a pet instead. To find a responsible breeder, familiarize yourself with our list of responsible breeding practices and use discretion when searching and communicating. To adopt a pet, visit pet shelters like the Humane Society of Utah or Best Friends Animal Society. Both adoption centers and responsible breeders will ensure that your future pet is healthy and well cared for. 

Scammers are out there, but so are plenty of reputable sellers and pets that need homes. Find your next pet on KSL Classifieds, and be sure to report suspicious listings whenever you encounter them.