She wanted a Chihuahua puppy and thought she found it online.

The woman paid half of the $425 price, and would pay the other half when she received the dog.

It seemed fair. Then she got the texts.

The shipping company needed $800 for a special shipping crate. 

The insurer demanded $1,000 for in transit pet protection. 

Overnight puppy nanny care would cost $450.

She paid it all with cash and gift cards.

When the woman smelled a scam and wanted a refund, the “breeder” wanted $1,200 more to start that process.

She paid it all. There was no puppy. She lost $3,800.

Better Business Bureau ScamTracker shows online scam pet sellers taking thousands from eager buyers excited to bring home a cute pet at a great price.

The American Kennel Club says the majority of online pet sellers are scams.

And the scams seem to work the same way: low advertised price followed by many undisclosed fees.

A Chandler woman says “they kept asking for more and more money after saying we were done paying for stuff.” She lost $2,100.

Many of the complaints point to two big scam warning signs: They’re asked to pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency and they are never allowed to see the pet in person.

If you’re looking for a pet online:

• Research the breeder/business name and look for accredited breeders at bbb.org.
• Run a general online search for complaints. If you can’t find the name or there are no reviews, beware.
• Talk to the seller and see the pet in person. If that’s not possible, demand a live video call to do it.
• Do not send money through wire transfer, gift cards or cash apps. Use a credit card for and follow up to make sure it was not misused.
• If you’re concerned about a website, conduct a reverse image online search of pet pictures. If they show up on multiple sites, it’s likely a fraud.
• And consider a visit to your local animal shelter first.

The American Kennel Club allows you to search for breeds and locations at its marketplace website.  https://marketplace.akc.org/

See all the latest scams on the Better Business Bureau's YouTube channel.  

If you lost money in a scam, contact your local police and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.  

Report it to BBB Scam Tracker.