Typical Puppy Scam Ads

To see how vast this scam has become Google "puppy scam"
Click here to see.

Nigerian Puppy Scamsters now often approach publications directly via email.

The main breed being advertised in these sorts of scams

IDENTIFYING SCAM ADS
Not every puppy ad is a scam, of course. There are several 'tells'.

First the basics regarding Nigerian Scam Ads apply (see these here).

In addition:

The puppy is typically referred to as she.

AKC Registration is often claimed.

Customer is 'Mr.', 'Doctor', 'Pastor' or 'Reverend' (unlike most US customers who sign their emails 'Joe Blow', the email comes from 'Mr. Joe Blow')

Low price. Typical prices for AKC puppies are in the THOUSANDS, not hundreds of dollars. Even legitimate friendly local sellers will typically show prices in the high hundreds, not the rock-bottom price of the scam ad.

The most common breed being advertised is Yorkshire (or Yorkie), followed by English Bulldog, Maltese and Shih Tzu.

EXAMPLE EMAIL:

PUPPY SCAM AD REQUEST VIA EMAIL:
================================
From: Dan Philips
[mailto:dan_chase8weeks@unionplus.net] <<UNIONPLUS is an ENGLISH email service like hotmail
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2007 11:53 PM
To: classified@xxxx.com
Subject: Advert Placement !!!

Attn:

My Name is Mr Dan Philips, I just want to let you know that i want to place an ad for 30 days, So let me read back from you with the total cost of the 30 days.

Here is my contact information below:

Address: 274 5th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118 USA
Phone #: 870-455-4180 << 870 area code is in ARKANSAS, not San Francisco
Email: dan_chase8weeks@yahoo.com << Different from sending email (@unionplus,net)
Ad Informations:
Pet Name : Chase
AKC English Bulldog pup for sale
Breed: Bulldog Puppies
Price: $300
Age: 8 weeks
Description: Chase is a Female English Bulldog, She is 8 weeks old, Brown&white Color. Puppy Has Excellent Character And It Happy!!! In A Loving Environment.

Attached is the picture i want you to place on my ad. I will be waiting to read back from you as soon as possible.

Thanks,
Cheers !!!