Puppy deposit scam red flags before paying a breeder
A deposit should come after verification, not before basic identity, animal and handover checks.
Red flags
- Urgent pressure: “pay today or lose the puppy”.
- Only stock-style photos, no fresh video with a requested detail.
- No written contract, unclear refund terms or hidden pickup location.
- Courier claims that are vague, unverifiable or unusually cheap.
- Payment requested through channels that remove buyer protection.
Safer response
Ask for breeder identity, current animal proof, document photos with matching microchip details, and written handover terms. If the seller refuses basic checks, pause.