Buying and Selling Pets Online - Trigger Fraud Alert #40 (June 2026)

Thinking of buying a puppy, dog, or other pet online? Be careful.

Humberside Police are warning people to be vigilant following recent reports of pet fraud affecting buyers online.

Fraudsters often advertise pets that do not exist, ask for deposits before viewings, or claim that animals can be delivered by courier if payment is made in advance. Before purchasing any pet, please consider the following advice:

Stay Safe When Buying a Pet

🐾 Never pay a deposit or full payment upfront until you have seen the animal in person and carried out appropriate checks.

🐾 Do your research. Check the seller’s profile, reviews, and online presence. Search their name and contact details online to identify any concerns.

🐾 Be wary of courier arrangements. Fraudsters may claim the pet will be delivered to your home and request transport costs in advance. Always independently verify any transport company by contacting them directly using details you have found yourself.

🐾 Know the law. Under Lucy’s Law, puppies and kittens under six months old cannot be sold by third-party sellers in England. They must be purchased directly from the breeder or adopted through a recognised rescue centre.

🐾 Check the animal’s age. Puppies and kittens should never be sold before they are eight weeks old.

🐾 Ask to see health records. Ensure vaccination records, worming and flea treatment information, and microchip details are provided before purchase.

🐾 Research the breed and seller carefully. Make sure you are buying from a legitimate and responsible breeder or seller.

For advice on buying a puppy safely, visit: www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/buyer-advice

Reporting and Support

If you have been a victim and lost money, call 101 and report it to Humberside Police.

Visit fraudwatch.org.uk for more information about fraud and where to get support.

You can also sign up to receive future alerts at alerts.fraudwatch.org.uk.

You can read the full alert and download some leaflets to share here: https://www.fraudwatch.org.uk/2026/06/01/trigger-fraud-alert-40/.