K9PN does not breed, sell or train dogs. We pass your request to an experienced professional who serves your area.
Puppy scams UK
Puppy scams in the UK: red flags and how to stay safe
Pet fraud targets people who are excited and in a hurry. Scammers advertise puppies that do not exist, take deposits and then ask for more. This guide covers the warning signs, how to check a seller and what to do if you think you have been targeted. K9PN refers you to professionals and does not sell dogs.
- Red flags and checks
- How to report
- K9PN does not sell dogs
Find a professional you can verifyTell us what you are looking for, with your full postcode, so we can look for a professional who covers your area.K9PN is a referral service and does not train dogs. Your details are shared with the trainer we refer you to so they can contact you about your request. See our Privacy Policy for how we use your data and your rights under UK GDPR.
Key takeaways
- Never pay for a puppy you have not seen with its mother in person.
- In England, Lucy’s Law means a legitimate puppy under six months is sold direct by the breeder or a rescue.
- Report suspected fraud to Action Fraud (and Police Scotland in Scotland).
How K9PN works
A referral service, not a seller
What you can expect when you send a request.
Our guides list what to ask any seller or trainer: health tests, contracts, training and aftercare.
It costs nothing to send a request, and you decide whether to work with whoever contacts you.
How it works
From request to trainer in three steps
K9PN is a referral service. We do not train dogs. Trainers set their own prices and programs.
Share your dog’s age and breed, what you want help with, and your full postcode. It takes about two minutes and costs nothing.
K9PN is a referral service. Based on what you need and where you live, we refer your request to a professional trainer who covers your area.
The trainer contacts you to talk through your goals, pricing and scheduling. You decide whether it is a fit.
By K9PN · Founded by Mike Leal, Army Ranger veteran and dog trainer · Reviewed October 2026 · Written for UK readers
How the classic puppy scam works
- An advert shows an irresistible puppy at an attractive price, often with stolen photos.
- The seller says they cannot meet, perhaps because of distance, illness or a story about travel, and asks for a deposit.
- After you pay, new costs appear: insurance, transport, vaccinations or a special crate.
- The pressure builds and the puppy never arrives.
Red flags
- A popular breed at an unusually low price.
- You cannot see the puppy with its mother where it was born and raised.
- The seller will only communicate by message, and avoids calls and video.
- A deposit requested before you have seen the puppy, or payment by bank transfer to a stranger, gift card or cryptocurrency.
- Photos you find elsewhere online, or a seller who cannot send new photos on request.
- Extra fees appearing after you have paid.
- A seller who says they are selling on someone else’s behalf. Under Lucy’s Law in England, that is not allowed for puppies under six months.
How to check a seller
- Insist on seeing the puppy with its mother, at the place it was born and raised.
- Reverse-image search the photos.
- Ask for the vet's details and for health test results.
- Search the seller's name, phone number and email with the word "scam".
- Ask a welfare charity or your vet for advice if you are unsure.
Paying safely
Use a credit card or another method with protection, and pay a deposit only after you have seen the puppy. Avoid paying by bank transfer to a stranger, and avoid gift cards or crypto. Put the agreement in writing.
If you think you have been scammed
- Stop sending money and keep all messages and receipts.
- Contact your bank immediately.
- Report it to Action Fraud (in Scotland, report to Police Scotland).
- Report the advert to the site where you found it.
How K9PN matches you with a professional
K9PN is not a marketplace and we do not sell dogs. We refer people to experienced, independent professionals, and we look at openness about the dogs and their parents, health testing, written contracts, and honest aftercare. We are still building our UK network, so put your full postcode in the form and we will tell you if we can match you.
Please note
This page is general information, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Dog law differs between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and prices change, so check current details with the seller, your vet and the official sources linked.
Common questions
How do I spot a puppy scam?
Look for a low price, no chance to see the puppy with its mother, pressure to pay a deposit and payment by transfer, gift card or crypto.
Is it illegal to sell puppies through a third party?
In England, selling puppies under six months through third-party sellers is banned by Lucy’s Law. Check the rules in other UK nations.
Can I get my money back?
Sometimes, if you paid by credit card or a protected method and act quickly. Contact your bank at once.
Where do I report a puppy scam?
Report to Action Fraud (or Police Scotland in Scotland) and to the platform where the advert appeared.
Is it safe to buy a puppy online?
Only if you can verify the seller and see the puppy with its mother in person. Many people prefer to buy locally.
Does K9PN sell or train protection dogs?
No. K9PN is a referral service and does not breed, sell or train dogs. We pass your request to a professional who covers your area, if we can match you. It costs nothing to send a request. We are still building our UK network.
Related
Sources and further reading
For dog trainers
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