Pressure to pay immediately
Be cautious when someone pushes you to send money quickly, says another buyer is waiting, or will not let you ask normal questions.
Pawbe Safety Center
How to spot warning signs when buying a puppy online.
Online puppy search can be exciting. Slow down whenever a seller pressures you, avoids normal questions, or makes verification difficult.
What to know1 2 3 4
No clear puppy details
Slow down if photos, location, age, breed details, or seller information keep changing or are unusually vague.
Refusal to verify
A seller who will not answer questions, share recent photos or video, discuss pickup, or confirm basic details deserves extra caution.
Payment comes before confidence
Do not send money until you feel comfortable with the seller, the puppy details, and the pickup arrangement. Trust your instincts and keep communication documented.