Illinois, Wisconsin Residents Warned as Puppy Scam Surge Peaks

Scammers exploited the isolation of lockdowns during the COVID pandemic in 2020 when puppy scams took hold, preying on people who were desperate for companionship.

Despite a slight decrease in reports in 2021, puppy scams remained prevalent, with the average amount lost per scam reaching $1,222.13 in 2023 and 2024, according to a report from Outsource2India.

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The financial impact of these scams varies significantly by state. Alaska, notably, reported the highest average loss per scam at $3,249.14 and had the highest rate of scams per capita, while in Illinois there was an average loss of $766.22. Wisconsin reported an average loss of $917.50.

Targeted Breeds and Online Platforms

Scammers reportedly like to use specific dog breeds for their scams, with Bulldogs being the most frequently targeted, mentioned 457 times in scam reports.

Dachshunds and Pomeranians follow, with 329 and 194 mentions respectively. Most scams—87%—originate from online purchases, highlighting the need for more stringent vetting processes on e-commerce platforms.

Social media also plays a role, with Facebook accounting for 8% of reported scams.

Addressing the Puppy Scam Problem

To combat these fraudulent activities, buyers must conduct thorough research and verify sellers before making any payments. Reporting these scams to organizations like the Better Business Bureau can help mitigate the issue.

As the number of reported puppy scams continues to rise, enforcing stricter e-commerce regulations and promoting ethical practices are some of the first steps in protecting future pet owners from falling victim to these heartless schemes.