Puppy Scams & Other Pet Fraud – Leave Your Complaint Here

In recent years, the digital landscape has revolutionized many aspects of our lives, from shopping to communication. However, new forms of deceit come with this advancement, and the pet industry hasn’t been spared. Online puppy scams have seen a significant uptick, preying on unsuspecting individuals looking to add a furry friend to their family.

These scams exploit the emotional attachment many feel towards pets, using tantalizing images and heart-tugging stories to lure victims. With an increasing number of people turning to the internet to find their next pet, it’s become crucial to be aware of these deceptive tactics and understand how to protect oneself from potential heartbreak and financial loss.

On October 6, 2023, we received the following complaint regarding rockfordteacupyorkies.com:

This site, along with many others that have popped up, asks for deposits for puppies via Zelle. It’s a total scam.

Rockfordteacupyorkies.com Review

Rockfordteacupyorkies.com has registered for one year through NameCheap one week ago, on October 3, 2023. A Privacy service provided by Withheld for Privacy ehf protects it, while Zyro.com hosts it.

The website gets almost all of its traffic by paying for it through platforms such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads.

Their top paid keywords are “yorkies for sale” and “yorkie puppies for sale near me.”

One of their ads is titled “Yorkie Puppies under $700 – yorkies for sale near me:”

High quality, home raised, potty trained, vet checked Micro Teacup yorkie puppies for sale. Our Yorkie Puppies Are Potty Trained, Micro-chipped And Come With 1 Year Health…

Another ad is titled “Yorkie Puppies under $700 – yorkie puppies 4 sale near me:”

High quality, home raised, potty trained, vet checked Micro Teacup yorkie puppies for sale. Our puppies are a low-shedding, courageous toy breed with a loyal & spunky personality.

Only their homepage is indexed on Google. The title is “rock ford teacup yorkies,” while the description is:

This dog is intelligent, lively, and fearless. They focus entirely on their owner and are extremely affectionate. It has been said that a Yorkshire Terrier …

The website is not reviewed or mentioned anywhere else online, which makes this the first review.

Rockfordteacupyorkies.com

The Rock Ford Teacup Yorkies website thoroughly overviews the Yorkshire Terrier breed. It details these dogs’ character, temperament, and specific care needs. Highlighting their intelligence, liveliness, and affectionate nature, the website paints a comprehensive picture of what one might expect from owning such a breed.

The site further delves into the coat type of the Yorkshire Terrier, distinguishing it from other breeds by emphasizing its fine, silky texture and unique growth pattern. It’s mentioned that these dogs don’t have the typical fur of other breeds but instead have hair that grows constantly, with no shedding.

When it comes to training, the Yorkie, as per the website, is quick to learn but can also be willful, demanding consistency and firmness in training methods. The minimal exercise requirements make them ideal for apartment living, a point underscored by the detail that they were recognized by the AKC in the toy class as early as 1885.

Price points for the Yorkies are extensively broken down, providing potential buyers with a range to expect based on factors such as lineage, coat, size, and registration. An emphasis is placed on the AKC registration and its influence on the price.

The contact section, however, offers a list of puppies available but lacks detailed information about each, only naming them without any accompanying descriptions or images. Potential buyers are prompted to provide full names, email addresses, phone numbers, and city/state details before selecting a puppy and sending a message.

Red Flags:

1. Date Inconsistency: The copyright date on the website is from 2015-2023. However, as we’ve seen, the website has been around for just one week.
2. Deposit Concern: While the site mentions that breeders might require a non-refundable deposit, it doesn’t specify whether they ask for one. The earlier complaint about a deposit via Zelle raises eyebrows in this context.
3. Lack of Detailed Contact Information: The contact section only provides a form to fill out. There are no direct email addresses, physical addresses, or phone numbers to contact the breeders. This lack of transparency can cause concern, especially for a business that has supposedly been in operation for multiple years.
4. Generalized Information: The site provides very generalized information about the Yorkshire Terrier breed without any unique insights or personalized touches that might be expected from experienced breeders.

Review of their About Page

Top Teacup Yorkies positions itself as a breeder with expertise in Yorkshire Terriers. They underscore their commitment to quality breeding, good health, the perfect size, and meticulous care. The portrayal of their puppies paints an attractive picture — friendly, playful with kids, and in great health. Notably, their association with the American Kennel Club (AKC) comes through with the assurance that their puppies are AKC registered, microchipped, and have had their initial round of vaccinations. With over 15 years in the market, their breeding program is presented as an endeavor of passion rather than profit, indicating the plowing of income from other professions into this venture. They emphasize that their Yorkies are not just pets but family members. Taking a stand against backyard breeding and puppy mills, they ensure any puppy from their care is desexed before transitioning to a new home.

Red Flags:

1. Vague Breeding Details: While the website emphasizes their commitment to quality breeding, there is a lack of specific details about the breeding process, their facilities, or their breeders’ qualifications.
2. Unspecified “Good Jobs”: The site mentions they plow back income from their “good jobs” into their breeding program. However, it fails to detail these jobs, which might have added credibility to their claims of breeding as a non-profit endeavor.
3. Lack of Transparency: The claim of 15 years in the market is impressive, yet there are no testimonials, customer reviews, or references that corroborate their longstanding presence and reputation in the market.

Review of Rock Ford Teacup Yorkies’ Available Puppies

Rock Ford Teacup Yorkies showcases a list of available Yorkie puppies for sale, all priced uniformly at $650. Each entry lists the puppy’s name, gender, age (which consistently stands at 10 weeks for all), availability status, and the possibility of shipping. Notably, there is an evident repetition in the age of the puppies, as all are listed as being 10 weeks old. There are options to “purchase” each puppy directly from this page.

Following the detailed list of puppies, the website has a “Contact Us” form. Prospective buyers are prompted to input their personal details: full names, email addresses, phone numbers, city/state, and the specific puppy they are interested in. There’s also a provision to send a direct message through the form.

Red Flags:

1. Uniformity in Puppy Age: It’s oddly coincidental that every listed puppy is precisely 10 weeks old. This uniformity in age raises skepticism regarding the authenticity of the listing and calls for a more in-depth inquiry into their breeding practices and turnover.
2. Impersonal Puppy Descriptions: Despite listing individual names, there’s a palpable lack of unique descriptions or photographs for each puppy. A genuine breeder would typically provide personalized details, emphasizing the uniqueness of each animal.
3. Static Pricing: Every puppy has an identical price tag, which is unusual. Variability in pricing based on lineage, health checks, or other differentiating factors is more common in genuine breeding operations.

Review of Rock Ford Teacup Yorkies’ Shipping and Delivery Policies

Rock Ford Teacup Yorkies offers insights into its shipping and delivery processes. They provide two primary methods: airlines and a specialized ground service. Shipping by airlines encompasses destinations within the U.S. and Canada. This service costs between $150 and $300, covering the puppy’s airfare, shipping crate, vet health certificate, and a puppy care packet. The airline ensures the puppies are housed in pressurized, temperature-controlled compartments. The alternative method, using a specialized ground service, allows the puppy to be delivered directly to your doorstep, but this method is stated to be pricier.

In response to common concerns, the site clarifies that shipping is safe, drawing on their alleged vast experience and reasoning that airlines would avoid maltreatment of animals for fear of legal repercussions and customer dissatisfaction. They claim the average flight duration is between 4 to 7 hours. Additionally, the site guarantees the safety of shipping puppies even in winter, asserting that temperatures in the cargo section are comfortable at 70 degrees.

For those who prefer not to ship, buyers can opt to pick up their puppy personally. The website also advises against vaccinating the puppy immediately upon arrival and recommends a vet check-up within 48 hours of receiving the puppy. Rock Ford Teacup Yorkies strongly discourage using Banfield Hospitals or VCA Hospitals, associating them with misdiagnoses, overmedication, and excessive bills.

Lastly, the website briefly touches on the characteristics of Yorkies, underscoring their affectionate nature, trainability, and aptitude as watchdogs. It also details the breed’s history and suitability for apartment living.

Red Flags:

1. Safety Assurances: The site insists on the safety of its shipping practices but fails to offer tangible evidence or references to back these claims. Their argument that airlines wouldn’t risk maltreating animals due to the fear of lawsuits seems more like an assumption rather than a grounded fact.
2. Blanket Statements on Vets: Their absolute discouragement against two specific vet chains, Banfield Hospitals and VCA Hospitals, raises eyebrows. While they cite misdiagnosis and over-medication, they provide no substantial evidence or further context. The warning seems both abrupt and vague.
3. Lack of Detail on Ground Shipping: While the site mentions the option for ground shipping as a pricier alternative, they provide no specifics on the costs or processes involved.
4. Generic Puppy Care Information: The details regarding not vaccinating the puppy immediately upon arrival and the need for a vet check-up seem broad-brush and generic. They don’t specify why their puppies, in particular, should not be vaccinated or delve deeper into potential health issues.

Review of Rock Ford Teacup Yorkies’ Health and Guarantee Policy

Rock Ford Teacup Yorkies places emphasis on the health and well-being of their puppies, positioning themselves as caregivers who treat their canines as integral family members. They assure potential buyers of the health of their puppies, claiming thorough vetting processes that include vaccinations and annual deworming. Prospective buyers are further encouraged to schedule a vet visit within 72 hours of acquiring the puppy. When a vet deems the puppy as “unfit for sale,” the company offers a replacement puppy once available. Despite these assurances, Rock Ford Teacup Yorkies explicitly retains the right to refuse adoption at any point during the process, promising a full refund in such cases.

Red Flags:

1. Vague Health Guarantees: The health guarantee contains broad language that promises the puppies’ health but doesn’t dive into specifics about the conditions or diseases that might be covered or exempted. The term “unfit for sale” is also not clearly defined.
2. Replacement Policy: Offering a replacement puppy instead of a monetary refund might not be ideal for every buyer, especially if they’ve become emotionally attached to the puppy they initially chose.
3. Refusal of Adoption: The right reserved by Rock Ford Teacup Yorkies to refuse adoption at any stage, even after payments or deposits might have been made, can be unsettling for potential buyers. The criteria for such refusal aren’t provided.
4. Limit on Holding Puppies: The strict policy of not holding puppies beyond 8 weeks might inconvenience buyers who require a bit more time for various reasons.

Review of Rock Ford Teacup Yorkies’ Testimonials

Rock Ford Teacup Yorkies showcases a series of testimonials from customers who claim to have had positive experiences with their services.

Red Flags:

1. Payment Methods: Patricia Nielson’s testimonial highlights payment through a “money service,” which could be seen as less secure than more traditional methods. Other potential buyers might share their initial apprehension about this payment method.
2. Delivery Details: Maurice Yanez’s mention of the puppies being delivered by a “nice-looking gentleman” lacks a professional touch. The specifics of how puppies are shipped or the credentials of the delivery personnel are absent, which can be concerning for potential buyers wanting assurance about safe delivery processes.
3. Generalized Praise: While the testimonials speak favorably about Rock Ford Teacup Yorkies, they seem to focus more on the emotions and the outcomes rather than specific details about the transaction process, the health and documentation of the puppies, or the post-purchase support, which could raise questions about their authenticity.
4. Limited Breed Information: While the website provides some insights into the breed, it lacks detailed care instructions or potential challenges Yorkie owners face. For new pet owners, comprehensive breed information might be crucial.

Conclusion: Is Rockfordteacupyorkies.com a SCAM?

Based on the analysis of RockFordTeacupyorkies.com, there are several red flags and inconsistencies that make the website’s credibility questionable:

1. Recent Registration and Date Inconsistencies: Despite claiming to have been in business since 2015, the website was only registered a week ago.
2. Lack of Transparency in Contact Information: The absence of direct email addresses, phone numbers, or physical addresses is concerning, particularly for a business that allegedly has been operational for years.
3. Generalized Information and Vague Descriptions: The website offers generic information about the breed without the unique insights or personal touches expected from experienced breeders.
4. Uniformity in Puppy Listings: Suspicion arises from the uniform age of puppies and the lack of unique descriptions or photos for each puppy.
5. Questionable Health Guarantees and Policies: Their broad health guarantees lack specifics. The right they reserve to refuse adoption at any stage is also concerning.
6. Potential Issues with Testimonials: The testimonials, while positive, focus on emotions rather than specific, verifiable details.
7. Payment and Delivery Concerns: Mentioning payment through a “money service” and vague descriptions of the delivery process can deter potential buyers looking for secure and reliable methods.

While the website does provide some comprehensive insights into the breed, the number of inconsistencies and red flags outweigh the positives. Given the above analysis, potential buyers should exercise caution. Engaging with any breeder or business requires due diligence, and in this instance, further investigation would be recommended before proceeding with any transaction.

In short, while it can’t be definitively concluded that RockFordTeacupyorkies.com is a scam, there are ample reasons for potential buyers to be wary.

To this, we add the following additional concerns from the complaint we received:

Asking for Deposits via Zelle

• Lack of Buyer Protection: Zelle is primarily designed for transactions between friends and family. Unlike services like PayPal or credit card companies, Zelle does not offer robust buyer protection. This means if you send money for a purchase and it turns out to be fraudulent, you might not be able to recover your funds.
• Irreversible Transactions: Zelle transfers are immediate and cannot be reversed. Once the money is sent, retrieving it becomes nearly impossible unless the recipient willingly sends it back.
• Common in Scams: Many scams nowadays involve asking the victim to send money via Zelle or similar instant transfer services, as it allows fraudsters to receive and then withdraw funds quickly.

Comparison with Legitimate Sites: How do Authentic Breeders Operate?

• Transparency: Genuine breeders have transparent operations. They are open about their breeding practices, facilities, and the qualifications of the people involved. They often invite potential buyers to visit their facilities.
• Documented History: Legitimate breeders typically have a long-standing history, often supported by customer testimonials, references, and sometimes even by recognition from professional or breeding associations.
• Detailed Puppy Information: Genuine breeders provide comprehensive information about each puppy, including health checks, lineage, and often photos and videos that update as the puppy grows.
• Secure Payment Methods: Legitimate breeders generally use secure and traceable payment methods. They will often provide receipts and paperwork for every transaction.
• Post-purchase Support: Reputable breeders are invested in the well-being of the puppies they sell. They often offer post-purchase support, including advice on puppy care, training, and health concerns.
• Affiliations: Authentic breeders often have affiliations with national or international breeding or kennel clubs, providing additional credibility to their operations.

In conclusion, while the internet has made finding and purchasing pets convenient, it’s also paved the way for potential scams. Doing thorough research, asking for references, and ideally visiting the breeder’s location before committing to any purchase is crucial.

How to Spot Puppy Scams

Puppy scams exploit puppies’ emotional appeal, knowing victims might overlook red flags. They’ll create fake profiles and websites and use high-pressure tactics to rush the sale, often disappearing once payment is made.

• Pressure to Pay Quickly: Scammers often rush victims, urging quick payments through non-traceable methods like cash transfers.
• Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices: Extremely low prices can be a bait to entice unsuspecting victims.
• Vague Details: Genuine breeders provide comprehensive info. Beware of those evading details about the puppy or their operations.
• Generic Photos: Scammers might use stock photos or steal images from legitimate sites.
• Inconsistencies & Errors: Pay attention to mismatched details and frequent spelling/grammar mistakes.

How to Avoid Falling for Puppy Scams?

• Research the Breeder: Don’t just trust the website; check for reviews and third-party validations.
• Payment Caution: Avoid non-traceable methods. Scammers prefer tools like Zelle and Western Union due to their irreversible nature.
• See the Puppy: If an in-person meeting isn’t feasible, insist on a live video call.
• Seek References: Genuine breeders should connect you with previous satisfied customers.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam or Already a Victim of Puppy Scams

• Report Immediately: Reach out to local authorities or online platforms where the scam occurred.
• Raise Awareness: Sharing your experience by sharing your story in a comment below this article can prevent others from falling victim.

Puppy Scams Online: Conclusion

In the digital age, as more services move online, the quest to find the perfect puppy has also found its place on the internet. Yet, this convenience comes with caveats. While the allure of finding a furry companion with a simple click is enticing, it’s paramount to tread with caution. The rise in online puppy scams is a grim reminder of the importance of diligence when purchasing.

Opting for a puppy should never be an impulse buy. Instead, it should be an informed decision with ample research and care. Adoption is a heartening and ethical alternative for those seeking to expand their families with a four-legged friend. Local shelters house numerous lovable animals waiting for their forever homes. This gives a second chance to a deserving soul and ensures you’re not inadvertently supporting questionable breeders or falling prey to scams.

For those set on specific breeds, turning to reputable breeders is crucial. While online directories and platforms can offer lists of verified breeders, it’s always wise to dig deeper, cross-referencing with reviews and possibly even visiting in person.

For those unfortunate enough to encounter scams, know you’re not alone. Governmental and non-profit organizations offer support and avenues for reporting such incidents. We can guide victims and those looking to stay informed.

The Bottom Line Regarding Puppy Scams

In closing, as the saying goes, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” In the realm of online puppy purchases, this adage is especially apt. Prioritize safety, do your due diligence, and remember that every responsible purchase or adoption decision contributes to a larger effort against scams and unethical breeding.

Pet Scams

In this section, we will display complaints we receive regarding pet scams.

On October 12, 2023, we received the following complaint from a person who reported losing $550:

I visited a website that had cats for sale. I made a payment but never received the cat I paid for. It seems that they scammed me out of my money. Later, they returned, asking for an additional $900.

Colossaldanes.com

On October 14, 2023, we received the following complaint from a person who reported being scammed for $950:

I was scammed by a Great Dane pet company named colossaldanes.com.

worldcargoshippers@gmail.com

On October 16, 2023, we received the following complaint from a person who reported being scammed for $800:

I purchased a puppy through Facebook, and the communication was handled by worldcargoshippers@gmail.com. Following the purchase, I had to rent a crate for the puppy and pay for her insurance and pet care while she was at the agency. However, the delivery vehicle encountered a problem during the delivery process – a tire was punctured. They want me to pay for the tire repair, which I don’t think I should be responsible for. Additionally, I don’t have any more money to spend on these unexpected expenses. They’ve threatened to report me for neglecting the puppy if I don’t comply with their demands.

Additional Complaints We Received

On October 20, 2023, we received the following complaint from a person who reported being scammed for $600:

I have snapshots of messages from each individual who scammed me. All three carriers put on a compelling story about how sorry they were for losing my fur baby and promised they would not scam me as the others did! Until I can open a case with you and spare both of us several days of messaging, I don’t want to send all the proof of the scammers. I will tell you their names now: Johnathan Smith from Nathan’s Pet Rescue, Stanley Rowland from the same place, and Dianne’s Dachshund AKC Home. Each started with a quoted sale price of $200. After it was sent, each one started to come up with additional costs before the puppy could be shipped. At that point, I knew it was a scam and started asking many questions! As each individual caught on that I knew what they were doing, they blocked me. I was trying to purchase a Miniature Doxie.

On October 20, 2023, we also received the following complaint:

I purchased a dog that was supposed to be delivered to me. Initially, they requested additional money for insurance and a crate, among other things. Gradually, the costs began to accumulate. They continually assured me the money would be refunded upon the dog’s delivery. Unfortunately, they have taken approximately $20,000 from me and continue asking for more.

November 2023 Complaints

I paid for a puppy that I never received. Delta Airlines Cargo is supposedly holding the puppy. I purchased the pup from Agatha Miller, who now refuses to provide the address of the transport company. At this point, I suspect either the dog doesn’t exist, or Agatha has the puppy and is extorting more money from me. Despite having sent money twice, I was told after each transaction that it wasn’t enough.

The report chronicles how an individual was defrauded in a pet scam, involving the purchase of a pit bull and additional costs for shipping, with a total loss of $1,950, followed by the seller’s abrupt termination of communication:

I bought a pit bull for $600 and paid an additional $750 for shipping with the crate, totaling $1,350 so far. Then, they claimed the payment was lost through Apple Pay, so we paid an additional $600. After that, we were blocked, but not before we saw pictures and videos of the dog and they sent us all the flight numbers.

Another alarming case of a puppy scam has come to light, involving misleading contact information and questionable payment requests:

I was looking for a puppy online and was provided with a vet’s number that turned out to be disconnected. The seller wanted me to send money so he could fly the puppy to me. He claimed to live in Oklahoma but had a New York area code. Additionally, the vet’s number provided was from a North Carolina area code.

Patrisha Haute

I was looking to purchase a Yorkie on Facebook from a woman named Patrisha Haute. She claimed to be from Albany, and several people thanked her for their dogs. Assuming she was legitimate, I considered it until she requested an upfront payment. I declined and cautioned her about scammers. We attempted a video call. She didn’t respond initially, but when she finally did, I mentioned I couldn’t see her. Suddenly, a young black man appeared on the screen, not the older white woman, Patrisha Haute, she purported to be.

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If you are a victim of online scams, including Puppy Scams and other Pet Scams, please let us know by commenting below, and if you have lost a significant amount of money, do not lose hope. We can help you recover your funds!