Unfortunately, the world of puppy adoption is not without its pitfalls. Yorkie scammers are pervasive in the puppy market today. Over our years in business, we have encountered numerous individuals who have been scammed. In an effort to prevent others from getting scammed, we have interviewed customers previously scammed and made a list of helpful tips to protect others from their ploys.

Insist on Health Records.  Prioritize your Yorkie’s well-being by requesting health records and vaccination history. Scammers might not provide these documents, or they may present fraudulent records. Some breeders may not produce health records at all, which will endanger the life of your pet. Ensure the breeder has followed a proper vaccination and deworm/de-parasite regimen. Yorkie Puppies should have had at least two sets of shots before rehoming in order to ensure proper protection from Parvo. 

Research Reputable Breeders.  Start by researching and identifying reputable breeders. Look for experienced breeders with a strong online presence and positive reviews. 

Read The Reviews.  It is important to read the reviews in order to determine if they are authentic reviews or paid reviews. Real reviews will have personal details, whereas paid reviews will be general and non-specific. Having all negative reviews is suspicious, as any breeder in business for many years will come across at least one eccentric personality. However, the vast majority of reviews should be positive, and personal with specifics.

Beware of Unrealistic Prices.  If the price of the puppy seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often use low prices to lure in unsuspecting buyers. Keywords like “affordable Yorkie puppies” may lead you to tempting offers, but be cautious. Scammers often lure with unbelievable deals. Stick to realistic price expectations and avoid listings that seem too good to be true.

Trust Your Instincts.  If something feels off during your interactions with the breeder, trust your instincts. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics or rush the process. Intuition plays a vital role in staying safe online. If anything feels off during your interactions, trust your instincts. 

Avoid Upfront Full Payments.  Don’t fall for FULL payments upfront, especially through unconventional means. Deposits for a waitlist or to hold a puppy with a reputable breeder are standard, but should only be sent to reputable breeders. Furthermore, any deposit made to a reputable breeder should be made through a secure and verifiable payment platform. Avoid the common scam of purchasing a gift card to pay for your deposit or payment in full. 

Report Suspected Scammers.  If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam, report it to local authorities and relevant online platforms (e.g. Facebook, Instagram). This helps protect others from falling victim to the same scam. 

Finding your Yorkie companion should be a joyful experience, not marred by scams. By combining your research with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect Yorkie to bring into your loving home, all while staying secure.