There are a lot of scams in the pet industry but you may have heard a lot about the French bulldog scammers. Frenchies are the most popular dogs in the world so there is a great chance that there will be a lot of scammers out there. If you are planning to get a new French bulldog puppy to our home then you should know about the scams and how you can avoid them. This blog will tell you to choose the right French bulldog and how to avoid French bulldog puppy scams.
Why There Are A Lot Of Scams In The French Bulldog World?
If you look at the popularity chart of dogs you will find that French bulldogs are at the top of it. They have so many desirable features that make them so popular. The most common factors are:
- They have a small size, so they are easy to manage which makes them excellent choices for people living in apartments.
- Frenchies have great temperament; they are social, affectionate, and excellent with kids.
- Their appearance is what makes them so appealing.
These traits are high in demand so they are often priced more as compared to others and as a result, there are more fraud in this industry.
Common French Bulldog Puppy Scams
There are different scammers out there using various tactics. The most common scams you will find are:
- Fake websites are the first thing that scammers make, they designed it in a way to look like authentic breeders. They will use fake testimonials, professional photos, and very detailed descriptions of puppies.
- Scammers also steal photos from other websites and social media and use them so their website looks genuine.
- They will advertise for a lot of puppies and once the payment is done you will not find them anywhere.
- Sometimes you might receive a different and unhealthy puppy.
- A scammer may also ask for shipping fees, vaccination costs, and other charges just for more money.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
If you don’t want to be a victim of such scams then you should know about some red flags about scammers.
- French bulldogs are very expensive and you will usually get them at a price of $1,500 to $3,000 or even more than that. If you are getting anything less than this price then it’s possibly a scam.
- If you are buying a puppy from a legitimate breeder he will give you all kinds of details including their vaccination, health records, puppies, and other instructions. However, a scammer will try to avoid such questions or give vague answers.
- If the breeder is doing this for a long time then he must have some old references and reviews. If they don’t have any be cautious.
- Scammers often try to negotiate quickly and create a sense of urgency, so you make quick decisions without doing any research.
- If they are using unconventional payment methods like gift cards or wire transfers then it’s a scammer.
How to Avoid French Bulldog Puppy Scams
When you are buying a French bulldog puppy you should know some details before you start the process. The most important thing is to do thorough research about the breeder. Make sure that the breeder is a member of a recognized breeder club and has experience in this business. You should always ask the breeder about the reference of any previous buyer and ask him about his experience. If they have any website or social media handle check their reviews.
Verify Authenticity
Try to meet the breeder in person as this will help you in seeing the living condition of the puppies and mother. If you don’t have time to visit do a video call, this will help you know the condition of the puppies, Make sure that you get proper documentation, vaccination, health records, and pedigree information.
Secure Payments
Avoid giving any full payments upfront usually genuine breeders ask for a small amount of deposit upfront. If you are sending any kind of amount use bank transfers don’t send through wire transfer or gift card.
Consider Adoption
Adoption is another way to avoid scams and you can do this by adopting a Frenchie from a rescue or shelter organization. Many French bulldogs reach shelter homes because their owners are unable to take care of them. When you adopt a Frenchie it not only gives him a second life but also saves you a lot of money because they have been properly taken care of by welfare organizations. You can get all the accessories for your Frenchie from Frenchie shop
Reporting Scams
During the process of buying the puppy, if you find any scammers, you have to report them so others can stay aware. You can do it by:
- Report the scammer to the local law enforcement authorities.
- If the scammer is online report the listing or ads to cybercrime.
- Many organizations take care of such scams and report such incidents to these organizations.
Conclusion
Purchasing a French bulldog is a rewarding and joyous experience, but it’s important to go through the process with caution and avoid all the scammers. If you conduct thorough research verify the authenticity, and use secure payment methods then there are great chances that you will avoid fraud and scams and a happy and healthy Frenchie will be your new family member. If you have selected a reputable breeder or adoption agency then you have the peace of mind that your puppies have been well taken care of. Never rush the process of buying a French bulldog puppy, take the process step by step to make a safe decision.
