What About Puppy Scams?

🛑 Don’t Get Scammed: How to Spot a Puppy Scam Before It’s Too Late

We’ve all heard the heartbreaking stories—someone finds the perfect puppy online, sends the deposit, and then… nothing.

No puppy.
No follow-up.
No refund.

Unfortunately, puppy scams are becoming more common—especially for sought-after breeds like Rottweilers. And because scammers often pose as real breeders, even smart, well-meaning buyers can fall victim if they don’t know the red flags.

At Spartan Rottweilers, we’re committed to honesty, education, and protecting our buyers. So let’s break down what a puppy scam looks like—and how to make sure your experience is safe, legitimate, and joyful.

❓ What Is a Puppy Scam?
A puppy scam happens when a fake seller tricks buyers by pretending to have puppies they don't actually own. Here's how they usually operate:

• They steal photos, bios, and information from legitimate breeders to appear credible.
• They disappear after collecting your payment — leaving you with no puppy and no way to reach them.
• They often offer a “too good to be true” price, then continue asking for additional unexpected fees, such as:
  • Payment for food before pickup
  • A “required” kennel purchase
  • Extra vaccinations or health checks not originally discussed

A trustworthy breeder will always be upfront about all costs from the beginning — and will never be surprised by additional fees. They should be able to clearly explain what you’re paying for, before you commit.

Many of these scammers operate from outside the United States, but not all — scams can just as easily come from within the U.S. The internet makes it easy for anyone, anywhere, to pose as a trustworthy breeder. Always be cautious, verify credentials carefully, and never be afraid to ask questions.

🚩 Common Red Flags to Watch For

Here’s how to spot the difference between a real breeder and a scammer:

📵 No Phone Calls or Video Chats

Scammers prefer email or text only—never calls or face-to-face contact.
A reputable breeder will always talk to you directly, whether by phone or video.

✅ Pro tip: Call the number. If it’s disconnected, it’s a major red flag.

My phone number is 870-321-4523

📸 Stock Photos or Copied Listings

Look closely. Are the puppy photos grainy or generic?
Copy the text and Google it—if it shows up on other sites, it’s likely stolen.
Real breeders have original content and photos of their own dogs, not “perfect” marketing images.

💸 Weird Payment Methods

Be cautious if you’re asked to:

• Wire money
  
  
• Pay with gift cards
  
  
• Use suspicious links or third-party payment portals
  
  

✅ Use secure, trackable methods like PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, Cashapp, or credit card—never wire transfers.

💰 Price That’s Too Good to Be True

A purebred Rottweiler from health-tested parents isn’t going to cost $500.
Deeply discounted prices are almost always a lure.
If they claim to be AKC-registered—call the AKC to confirm. If you would like to ensure that the breeder you are dealing with is in good standing with the AKC, contact AKC Customer Service at 919-233-9767 or Info@akc.org .   My name is Judy Conrad at 283 Timbercrest Rd. Viola, Ar. 72583

🧾 Fake or Missing Reviews

Scammers fake testimonials or use names of real buyers.
Always check:

• Google Reviews:   Google "Spartan Rottweilers Reviews"
  
  
• The breeder’s Facebook page   Mine is https://www.facebook.com/SpartanRottweilersofArkansas/
  
  
• Verified comments on social media
• https://www.spartanrottweilers.com/reviews
  
  

✅ Look for consistency. Do the same names show up in multiple places? Are reviews recent and real?

🏠 No Physical Address or a Suspicious One

A trustworthy breeder will proudly share their location.
Plug the address into Google Maps—if it’s a gas station, a vacant lot, or doesn’t match what they’ve told you, walk away.

🗺️ Spartan Rottweilers is located at 283 Timbercrest Rd, Viola, AR 72583—you’ll find us right where we say we are.

📝 Poor Grammar and Generic Information

Pay attention to the little details — broken English, lots of spelling mistakes, or strange formatting can be big red flags.

And if something just feels "off," trust your instincts.

Thanks to AI, scammers are getting better at covering up these mistakes, but your gut feeling is still one of your best tools for spotting a scam. Don’t ignore it!

Checklist Version 1: "Spotting a Scam — Quick Tips"

• Broken English, misspellings, or strange formatting?
  ➔ Be cautious.
• Generic or copy-paste responses?
  ➔ Ask detailed questions and see how they respond.
• Does something feel "off"?
  ➔ Trust your gut.
• Prices too good to be true?
  ➔ They probably are.
• Unexpected extra fees pop up later?
  ➔ Big warning sign.
• No live video of the puppy?
  ➔ Walk away.

🌐 New or Suspicious Website

Check how long the breeder’s website has been around.
Use WHOIS.com to see the domain age and registration. If the site was created last week… be careful.

💳 Payment Methods That Don’t Add Up

Legit businesses offer flexible, familiar options:

• Credit/Debit Cards
  
  
• Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, CashApp
  
  
• Cash (in-person only)
  
  

Avoid anyone who asks to access your bank account directly, or who only accepts untraceable methods.

✅ How to Buy a Puppy Safely

• Do your research: Google the breeder’s name, business, and reviews
  
  
• Ask questions about health testing, pedigrees, and how puppies are raised
  
  
• Talk on the phone or video before sending a deposit
  
  
• Request photos or videos of your actual puppy with something current (like a newspaper or timestamp). I even send you videos every Saturday starring YOUR puppy!
  
  
• Use secure payment methods
  
  
• Trust your instincts—if it feels wrong, it probably is
  
  

💬 Final Word from Spartan Rottweilers

As breeders who care deeply about our dogs—and our buyers—we want your journey to be full of excitement, not regret. Scammers prey on emotions, so protect yourself with facts, verification, and communication.

If you’re ever unsure about a breeder, feel free to contact us directly. Even if you don’t buy from us, we’re happy to help you avoid a heartbreak.

Because when it comes to finding your future Rottie… you deserve truth, trust, and a healthy, happy puppy.