10 Practical Tips to Avoid Online Cat Adoption Scams

Adopting a cat can be a rewarding and life-enriching experience for both you and your new furry companion. But with the rise of online adoption scams, it's vital to stay cautious and informed to ensure a safe adoption process.

In this article, we'll share ten simple tips to help you steer clear of online adoption scams. Follow these guidelines to help protect yourself from unscrupulous scammers and do your part to promote ethical and responsible cat adoptions.

1. Do Your Homework

Before you get too excited about that cute kitty picture, take some time to research the adoption platform or seller. Legitimate breeders and shelters usually have an established website with details about their operation, adoption policies, and community involvement. Red flags include sparse or poorly-worded pages without useful contact or location information.

An active social media presence is also a good sign of a reputable adoption organization or individual seller. Check their profiles for regular updates, interaction with followers, and comments from previous adopters. Be wary of profiles with limited posts, few followers, or generic content, as these can be indicators of a scam.

2. Ask for Multiple Pictures

Ask to see multiple clear photos of the cat from different angles. This is important because scammers often reuse the same stock photo for multiple fake ads. Legitimate sellers will happily provide you with additional pictures to show the real pet and help you fall in love.

You can also ask the seller to take a photo with a newspaper showing today's date. This helps prove they have the cat and aren't just recycling old images online. Pay attention to photo quality and backgrounds as well. Scam photos may appear blurry, low resolution, or with inconsistent backgrounds between images – which could indicate they're pulled from different sources.

3. Use Reputable Adoption Platforms

Using well-known adoption websites can significantly reduce the risk of scams. These platforms often have strict verification processes for sellers and provide secure communication channels.

Legitimate sites also offer a layer of protection by screening potential adopters and ensuring that listed pets come from trusted sources. Additionally, they often provide resources and support for new pet parents, enhancing the overall adoption experience.

You can even safely browse PetPlace’s vast network of reputable shelters and rescues to find a pet in your area. Click here to start your search today.

4. Verify Breeder Registration Information

Reputable breeders should be licensed, and their facility registered with national kennel clubs or governing bodies. Take the time to look up the breeder online and check if they're properly accredited. Question any "breeders" who aren't registered or can't provide valid registration details. You can ask to see their license or registration paperwork directly as well.

Ensure the information provided (like license and registration numbers) checks out on verification sites. Searching public records databases is also a good way to validate breeder info and look for any past complaints or violations.

5. Request Video Calls

Insist on a video call to see the cat and the living conditions. Scammers often use stolen photos or stock images, so a live video call can help confirm the legitimacy of the offer.

During the call, observe the cat's behavior and the environment to ensure they're in good health and well cared for. It's also helpful to see the cat interacting with people or other pets, which gives extra assurance about their socialization and living conditions.

6. Beware of Unrealistic Offers

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers love to bait you with purebred cats at rock-bottom prices or rare breeds that are "immediately available." Be skeptical of these deals and take the time to verify their legitimacy.

Remember, quality and healthy cats come at a cost that reflects the care and resources invested in them. Additionally, ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs involved, including adoption fees, transportation, and any medical expenses, to ensure transparency.

7. Ask for Detailed Health Records

When you're about to bring home a new furry friend, it's reasonable to be curious about their health history. You can ask a reliable shelter or breeder to show you their vet records, which include checkups, vaccinations (don't forget to check if the core ones are up to date), deworming treatments, and any other relevant care. These records are a good sign of the seller's commitment to the cat's well-being, and they can help you feel more confident about your new addition.

Less trustworthy sources might not have or be willing to share these records. If they don't have a cat's vet history, they probably can't give you accurate information about their medical care. It's important to be persistent and ask for detailed health information, as it could help you spot any potential issues during the adoption process.

8. Avoid Upfront Payments or Sending Money Abroad

Be cautious of requests for upfront payments, especially if asked to use untraceable methods like wire transfers or gift cards. These are common tactics used by scammers. Instead, request secure payment methods – such as credit cards or PayPal – which offer buyer protection.

If the seller insists on an upfront payment, make sure it’s a small amount and get a receipt. You could also consider using escrow services that hold funds until the adoption process is complete and satisfactory.

Additionally, be particularly wary of requests for payments to be sent abroad. Scammers often use international transactions to make it harder for authorities to trace the money. Insist on local transactions or using secure payment methods that offer buyer protection.

9. Trust Your Instincts

If something about an adoption offer seems off or makes you feel unsure, trust your gut feeling. Legitimate shelters and breeders won't pressure you or make unrealistic demands.

Some common red flags include a seller who gets frustrated by your questions, makes last-minute pushes to adopt immediately, or provides inconsistent or vague information about the pet. Your instincts exist for good reason – don't ignore potential warning signs.

10. Report Suspected Scams

If at any point in the process you suspect a scam, don't proceed with the adoption. Report any fraudulent activity to the relevant authorities and the adoption platform hosting the listing.

This helps authorities investigate bad actors and enhances safety and transparency within the pet adoption community.

Are You Ready to Adopt Responsibly and Safely?

Adopting a new pet should be an enjoyable experience, not one that leaves you out of pocket or feeling unsure. Doing your homework on sellers, verifying details directly, and listening to your gut can help protect you from scams online and lead to a trusting match with an animal in need of a home.

It's important to take the adoption process step-by-step and thoroughly check out everything before committing to anything. While the desire to help a pet is understandable, don't let emotion cloud good judgment. Following the tips here can help ensure a safe and successful adoption. With care and diligence, the perfect companion is waiting for you to give them a loving forever home.

If at any point you start to feel iffy or have doubts about an opportunity, go with your instincts. There are many reputable groups and shelters hoping to carefully pair you with the right pet. Shield yourself from fraudsters but don't lose hope – with research and a bit of patience, your new furry friend will come. Reporting suspicious activity can also help keep adoption spaces online safe and transparent for others in the future.