Online pet scams have become one of the most heartbreaking forms of internet fraud. Families searching for a new puppy, kitten, or exotic pet are targeted by scammers who create fake breeder websites, steal photos of adorable animals, and collect deposits for pets that do not exist. The Better Business Bureau reports that pet scams are among the most common online fraud categories, with victims losing an average of $700 to $1,500 per scam. Beyond the financial loss, victims also suffer the emotional devastation of believing they were bringing home a new family member, only to discover it was all a lie. A face search engine like facesearching gives pet buyers a powerful tool to fight back by enabling them to find someone by photo and verify that online pet sellers are legitimate. This tutorial will show you how to use reverse face search to check whether an online pet seller is real before you send any money.
Step 1: Collect the Seller's Photos and Listing Images
Start by collecting all available photos from the seller's listing and profile. Save the seller's profile photo if they have one, as well as any photos where the seller appears with the animals. Also save all the pet photos from the listing, including photos of the puppy, kitten, or other animal being offered for sale. Pay attention to the quality and consistency of the photos. Professional-looking photos that appear to be taken in different locations or with different backgrounds may be stolen from multiple sources. Photos that all look like they were taken in the same room with the same lighting may be legitimate, but they could also be taken from a single source. For more on verifying online sellers, see our guide on how to verify an online seller with face search.
Step 2: Run a Face Search on the Seller's Photo
Upload the seller's photo to facesearching. The face search engine will scan across social media platforms, breeder directories, scam warning websites, and other online sources to find the seller's digital footprint. This search typically takes 30 to 60 seconds. A legitimate breeder or pet seller will typically have a consistent digital footprint that reflects their involvement with animals. They may have a Facebook page for their breeding business, posts in breed-specific groups, a presence on breeder directories, and reviews from previous buyers. A scammer will often have a sparse or nonexistent digital footprint, or their photo may appear under different names, indicating a stolen identity. Pay special attention to whether the seller's photo appears on any scam warning websites or consumer complaint forums. For more on marketplace buyer protection, see our guide on how facesearching helps online marketplace buyers.
Step 3: Run a Reverse Image Search on the Pet Photos
In addition to searching the seller's face, run a reverse image search on the pet photos themselves. Scammers frequently steal pet photos from legitimate breeders' websites, social media accounts, or stock photo sites and use them in their fake listings. If the same pet photos appear on multiple websites with different seller names, different locations, or different prices, that is a clear indication of a scam. Also check whether the pet photos appear on websites that are known to be fraudulent or on scam warning lists. Legitimate breeders will have their own original photos of their animals, and they will be able to provide additional photos upon request. If the seller cannot provide new, unique photos of the specific animal you are interested in, that is a red flag.
Pet scammers count on the emotional pull of a cute puppy photo to override your rational judgment. A face search on the seller and a reverse image search on the pet photos are the cold, hard reality checks that protect your heart and your wallet.
Step 4: Verify the Seller Through Multiple Independent Channels
The final step is to verify the seller through multiple independent channels. Request a live video call where the seller shows you the specific animal you are interested in, in real time. A legitimate breeder will be happy to do this; a scammer will make excuses. Ask for references from previous buyers and actually contact those references. Verify the seller's breeder registration with organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) for dogs, the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) for cats, or other relevant breed organizations. Check the seller's physical address using Google Maps or Street View; if the address is a vacant lot, a shopping center, or does not exist, that is a clear scam indicator. Verify the seller's business registration with the state where they claim to operate. Be wary of any seller who pressures you to send money quickly, only accepts payment through wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, or offers to ship the animal without allowing you to see it first. A legitimate breeder will want to ensure their animals go to good homes and will welcome your due diligence. Start your pet seller verification with facesearching and bring home a real, healthy pet, not a heartbreak.