28/11/2025
🐾🐾A great piece of information.
Shared from another breeder 🐾🐾
🚨 BORDER COLLIE PUPPY SCAM ALERT 🚨
Sadly, with the growing popularity of Border Collies, there’s also been a rise in puppy scammers targeting hopeful new owners. These scammers are clever, convincing, and often heartless, but once you know the signs, they become much easier to spot.
Here’s what you need to know 👇
❗ What Puppy Scammers Do
Scammers will typically:
• Pretend to be legitimate breeders
• Steal photos of real puppies from the internet
• Offer puppies at unusually low prices
• Use urgency and emotional manipulation to push you into sending money
• Disappear once the payment is made, leaving no puppy and no refund
They often create fake websites, pages, or ads designed to look professional, complete with stolen testimonials and stolen images.
🚩 Major Red Flags to Watch Out For
Look out for these warning signs:
1. Prices That Are “Too Good to Be True”
Border Collie puppies from ethical breeders are never dirt cheap. Scammers lure people in with irresistible deals.
2. Refusal to Let You Visit
A real breeder will happily allow you to visit, meet the pups, and see the environment.
Scammers will give excuses:
• “We’re too busy.”
• “Puppy can’t meet people yet.”
• “We only deliver.”
3. Payment Upfront — Often via Unsecure Methods
Requests for bank transfers, PayPal “friends & family,” gift cards, or deposits before any real interaction is a huge red flag.
4. Poor Communication Skills
Broken English, generic answers, or copy–paste messages.
No personalised info about the puppy.
No knowledge of the breed itself.
5. Stolen Photos
Scammers lift pictures from breeder websites, social media, Google Images, or even from posts like yours.
Reverse image search often exposes this.
6. No Proof of Health Care or Registration
No vaccination cards, microchip info, DNA tests, or documentation.
Scammers may send fake screenshots or outdated records.
7. Pressure Tactics
“Someone else is interested - send money now!”
“Puppies are ready but only if you pay today.”
Urgency is one of the scammer’s favourite tools.
🛡️ How to Avoid Puppy Scams
Protect yourself by following these steps:
✔️ Do a Video Call
Ask to see the puppy live, with the mother if possible. Real breeders can do this easily. Scammers usually can’t.
✔️ Check Reviews & References
Look for long-term history, repeat clients, and genuine community presence.
✔️ Visit in Person
If distance makes this impossible, be extra cautious.
✔️ Reverse Image Search
Quickly reveals whether photos are stolen.
✔️ Ask Detailed Questions
Real breeders know the lineage, temperament, health testing, socialisation processes, and care routines.
Scammers know almost nothing.
✔️ Trust Your Gut
If something feels off, walk away. A legitimate breeder never pressures you or makes you feel uneasy.
🐾 Final Reminder
If you’re looking for a Border Collie puppy, stay vigilant.
A scammer’s goal is to take your money.
A real breeder’s goal is to protect their puppies.
Share this post to help others avoid heartbreak and stay safe. ❤️🐶
- Donna Williams,
Emerald Park Border Collies.
