Unfortunately, because of the popularity of the Yorkie breed, there are many scams you need to watch for. Here is a list of what to be wary of! Please, if you know of a scam that is not listed here, email me and I will promptly put it up. Too many people are taken advantage of every year by Yorkie scams.
Red Flags to Watch For
✦ The best way to avoid being scammed is to do a simple Google search of the breeder's name or kennel name.
✦ Ask for videos or to FaceTime. People who are running an honest business and protecting a brand are eager to prove they are not a scammer. Don't take excuses for no videos. Anyone can Photoshop a picture — you can't Photoshop a video. You will see my cell, my full name, and pictures of me all over my pages. I even make a point of putting my face in pics or videos I send. I know a breeder in Florida who — after a ton of bad things were posted about her and she was found scamming people with puppies who had major defects — changed her name and put up a new Facebook page. She was brought up on fraud charges. Scammers don't give people their personal picture with their kennel name. I always give my name. I'm not afraid to, because my clients are happy and grateful for years after they get one of my puppies.
✦ Ask for references. If you are talking to a breeder who has been breeding a long time, they should be able to supply phone numbers of happy past clients.
✦ Look out for the word "adoption" when looking for your puppy. This is a buzzword in fraudulent ads. Scammers will use this word and then say you need to provide personal information so they can ensure you will provide a loving home. If you see the word ADOPTION and an incredibly low price — followed by a request for your information — STOP. Arrange a time to visit in person. If that's not possible, ask them to text you a picture of the puppy on their lap. If they can't furnish a photo — it's a SCAM. Do not EVER give out personal information to someone you don't know.
✦ If the phone number in an ad is no good, or they will only text and not call, or only contact via email — chances are they need time to think up fake answers. A good breeder loves to talk about their puppies and the quality of their program.
✦ If they are unable to produce updated pictures as the puppy grows — that is a warning sign. Or if they can't produce pictures of the parents or any past litters. You can also do what's called a reverse image search: upload the picture to Google Images, and if the scammer has stolen photos off another breeder's website or Facebook page — Google can find similar images across the web. You may find the pictures actually belong to someone else.
✦ Yorkies are expensive. These dogs do not generally sell for less than $500 for a purebred puppy. If it seems too good to be true — it usually is. Note: scammers have become wise to this and some are now actually raising their prices to rip people off for more money.
✦ The ad will be listed with a very low price or for FREE ADOPTION — you just need to pay shipping. You will send the money. The puppy will never arrive.
✦ I have seen ads linking to my website. Scammers use my good reputation to rip people off. Always use the contact form here on my website. I am always willing to give out my personal cell phone number after you have filled out my contact form — I see it come right to my cell phone and you will hear from me personally.
