Thank you so much for creating this! It will definitely help out a lot of people! It sucks that there are so many scams out there

 

This is great! I think it would be great as a sticky, especially since you (we) will be adding to it as more are found.
I remember when I started looking for a puppy almost a year ago- I started on Google so of course I found many scam sites. Just flipping through a few of their sites, I could tell something was off, but I didn’t know enough to pinpoint what exactly it was. After finding the Forum, however, and reading post after post of “is this legit” I went back to one of the scam sites and it’s just....so laughable. Every single red flag you pointed out is on there. Of course with a puppy if it’s too good to be true it’s usually a scam but they do seem to be getting more savvy with their sites -at a first glance they do appear to have a lot of good information- I can see why someone could be easily taken advantage of if they don’t know any better, or don’t care to do a little bit more research.

 

There is also a “Vintage Goldens” that stole both the kennel name and the photos on the website. One of the puppy photos is actually Tucker Budzyn of Instagram fame.

 

I added Vintage 😁 , though it looks like as of today their website has been taken down

 

This is an older thread, it contains some good information.
Posting it as a reference-

A word about breeder websites

With the many new Forum Members coming in and asking for help in finding breeders, I thought I'd post this information. I hope that it is helpful. Breeder Websites There are an uncountable number of breeder websites on the internet. If looking for a puppy and utilizing internet websites, there...

www.goldenretrieverforum.com

 

FYI-The Mod Team reviewed this thread and the stickies in the Choosing a Breeder and puppy section.

The Team decided to update the Stickies in this section, this thread is now a Stickie.

 

Thank you so much for creating this!

 

Adorable Dogs and Puppies for Adoption, on FB... cannot copy the posts here, it is too filthy nasty obscene.. but it is a scammer.

 

I have been so disgusted by some of the scams I have seen on FB, attracting people with cute pictures of puppies lifted off the internet, and taking advantage of people. I've reported two of these sites dozens of times but FB does nothing. Yesterday, I wrote FB a letter asking them to do something about two of the sites. For the life of me I do not understand how FB can abet the crimes that are being perpetrated under its banner. I've taken to monitoring these sites and messaging people on my own to beware.

Here are two of them that are particularly egregious. One is a private group and the other a public group. I suspect they both may be operated by the same person.

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

www.facebook.com

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

www.facebook.com

I had a conversation with the person who claims to be a breeder running the latter site to try and get some more information I could share with FB. I've posted it below. It's hard to believe people could get sucked in by this, but I have seen several on FB who have been.

Me: Can you tell me how this works if I want a puppy?

Golden Retriever Puppies Ready For ReHoming: And where are you located?

Me: Georgia. How does it work?

Golden Retriever Puppies Ready For ReHoming: Am located in Alabama so it will be much more easier for the puppy to be delivered to you at your doorstep. Are you interested in a male or female? And how soon do you need the puppy?

Me: Where in Alabama are you located?

Golden Retriever Puppies Ready For ReHoming: Tyler Alabama. Are you interested in a male puppy or female puppy? And how soon do you need the puppy?

Me: Not in a hurry. There are a lot of scammers out there. How can I be sure you are legitimate?

Golden Retriever Puppies Ready For ReHoming: I do understand what you are trying to say but I believe in honesty and diligence, respect for you as a person and most importantly, respect as a human being. you haven’t done me or my family any harm so why would i want to fraud you of your money? i even don’t want any ill luck that will bring me down and my family or my next generation.It is certain that the world is a wicked place but there are still good people with a difference, I am not trying to rip you of your cash sir, I can give you my trust then I expect that too from you

Me: How does it work? How much is a puppy? When and how do I pay you? What assurances do I have of the health of your puppies? Do you have references?

Golden Retriever Puppies Ready For ReHoming: All of our puppies come from the healthiest bloodlines. We give each puppy for $800 (females) and $750 (males) and an extra delivery fee of $150 We accept local pickups and visits, we use a delivery service for the safety of your puppy.

The cost of your puppy includes;

• 1 Year health guarantee
• Health certificate
• Shots & Vaccines
• Rabies Vaccine
• Flea treatment
• Vet check, stamp and signed by the vet
• Puppy diet plan plus sample food
• A few Chew toys

-An educational packet

Those are some of our available puppies one male one female, the first pup is the female and the second is the male, the two pictures below are other pictures of them. Nola and Mic

Me: Where do the puppies come from? Are you the breeder?

Golden Retriever Puppies Ready For ReHoming: Yes sir

Me: Are the parents AKC registered?

Golden Retriever Puppies Ready For ReHoming: Yes sir including all our young puppies

Me: Can you provide me with the parents AKC registration numbers?

Golden Retriever Puppies Ready For ReHoming: Okay sir hold on

Me: Thank you.

Golden Retriever Puppies Ready For ReHoming: Omg am so sorry my wife went out of town with documents

Me: Can you get it to me when she returns?

Golden Retriever Puppies Ready For ReHoming: Okay for sure no problem with that though

Me: Would you message me back? When will the puppies be ready to go home? When were they born?

Golden Retriever Puppies Ready For ReHoming: They where born Sunday December, 29th, 2021

Me: when can I get the AKC numbers of the parents? Let me know when you have the AKC numbers. Then I will be ready.

Golden Retriever Puppies Ready For ReHoming: I just texted my wife and she says you can't be asking for an AKC registration number when we don’t even know if you’re legit for real cause we don’t know if you wana use it for something else

Me: All I want to do is look up the parents registration and determine is you are on the up and up. I can’t imagine what you think I would do with the number. You know my name. I don’t even know yours.

 

Another one- Socialized Golden Retriever Puppies (BOGO puppies) and the FB page is Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale in North Carolina.

 

Then Nats Goldens must also be one...I was considering purchasing a puppy from them before I found this forum!

 

I want to put together a thread or post to help people coming to this forum recognize what a scam looks like. I want to first say that what I'll be referring to as scams are websites set up to look like they are breeders, but everything about it is fake and it is a system designed to take your money.

The websites have gotten somewhat clever with their names, but every single one follows the same basic format.

View attachment 880577

They always sound good until you really start paying attention.

This description sounds good at a cursory glance. But it is a bit odd and seems to be missing a lot of crucial elements. Who are these people? Their goals and descriptions are extremely vague.

View attachment 880578
View attachment 880579

Looks familiar right?

View attachment 880580

Here's another!

View attachment 880581

And another!

View attachment 880582

Here is a final of another type for good measure. If you start to notice how good sound on the surface but realize that this "About" is missing a lot of vital information. Who are they? In my above example, if you google any part of the about, you will find the original breeder that that came from.

Further, if you click on their "Shipping Page", it is almost always bizarre because there are few breeders they can steal that from. Here is an example:

View attachment 880583

That format is very odd and different from the "About" in both formatting and tone.

Now, perhaps the most telling part of a scam in every case is how they present their sale puppies. No matter how elaborate the website looks or how convincing (I have seen some scam sites add names/GRCA logo/etc) this will always be the dead giveaway.

View attachment 880584

Not a single one of these puppies look the same. The backgrounds aren't the same and the prices are LOW. These are designed to look like a good deal, since the going price for pretty much any Golden is twice that or more.

View attachment 880585

Here is another example.

View attachment 880586

This one is even funnier because "Adult Weight: 3.5 to 5 lbs".

This brings me to another point: Nearly all of these websites have a "Buy Now" or "Contact Us" option right under the puppy. They like to advertise that puppies are on sale, that they are only "X" price for this week, etc.

I've been meaning to make a post like this because I see people getting scammed weekly. This post doesn't just apply to Goldens, it applies to any breed you want to buy. They prey on people who don't want to pay the market price for puppies. The truth is: all of these images are stolen and your puppy does not exist. You will never get whatever money they con you into putting into this fake dog back. I'm going to add the breeders I used for this post and I will add more to the list as I come across them.

If anybody else wants to add, feel free.

Danny's Golden Retriever Puppies
Family Golden Retriever Puppies
Harmony Retriever Puppies
Goldie Breeders
Vintage Retrievers (added Feb 14, 2021)
Star Belly Golden Retrievers (added Feb 26, 2021)
Amanda Golden Retrievers (added Feb 26, 2021)
Adorable Dogs and Puppies for Adoption on Facebook (added Mar 8, 2021)
Socialized Golden Retriever Puppies (FB Page: Golden Retriever puppies For Sale in North Carolina) (added Mar 15, 2021)

I've been trying to figure out if this site is a scam, anyone have any input?

2021 Goldenretriever

 

I will add this to the list it is a scam

 

it screams scam
Puppies haven't been that cheap in 20+ years and the floor coverings are all different. Imagine putting all those in one house? Stolen photos ....ROT = if it seems too good it is.

It only takes reading a few to find the giveaway- because these people are liars who know nothing about dogs. Here is the giveaway it's fake on this one - one page she says all puppies are underfoot in her home then this (and of course the fact they stole this verbiage from a pomsky breeder):

With over 20 years of experience our kennels are kept immaculately clean and are staffed by dedicated trained full time kennel techs. Each and every Pomsky and their puppies are given the best individual love and attention. All of our puppies come fully vaccinated and with a full nose to tail warranty.

 

it screams scam
Puppies haven't been that cheap in 20+ years and the floor coverings are all different. Imagine putting all those in one house? Stolen photos ....ROT = if it seems too good it is.

“Has a nice nose rope” somebody copy and pasted a Bulldog ad

 

I want to put together a thread or post to help people coming to this forum recognize what a scam looks like. I want to first say that what I'll be referring to as scams are websites set up to look like they are breeders, but everything about it is fake and it is a system designed to take your money.

The websites have gotten somewhat clever with their names, but every single one follows the same basic format.

View attachment 880577

They always sound good until you really start paying attention.

This description sounds good at a cursory glance. But it is a bit odd and seems to be missing a lot of crucial elements. Who are these people? Their goals and descriptions are extremely vague.

View attachment 880578
View attachment 880579

Looks familiar right?

View attachment 880580

Here's another!

View attachment 880581

And another!

View attachment 880582

Here is a final of another type for good measure. If you start to notice how good sound on the surface but realize that this "About" is missing a lot of vital information. Who are they? In my above example, if you google any part of the about, you will find the original breeder that that came from.

Further, if you click on their "Shipping Page", it is almost always bizarre because there are few breeders they can steal that from. Here is an example:

View attachment 880583

That format is very odd and different from the "About" in both formatting and tone.

Now, perhaps the most telling part of a scam in every case is how they present their sale puppies. No matter how elaborate the website looks or how convincing (I have seen some scam sites add names/GRCA logo/etc) this will always be the dead giveaway.

View attachment 880584

Not a single one of these puppies look the same. The backgrounds aren't the same and the prices are LOW. These are designed to look like a good deal, since the going price for pretty much any Golden is twice that or more.

View attachment 880585

Here is another example.

View attachment 880586

This one is even funnier because "Adult Weight: 3.5 to 5 lbs".

This brings me to another point: Nearly all of these websites have a "Buy Now" or "Contact Us" option right under the puppy. They like to advertise that puppies are on sale, that they are only "X" price for this week, etc.

I've been meaning to make a post like this because I see people getting scammed weekly. This post doesn't just apply to Goldens, it applies to any breed you want to buy. They prey on people who don't want to pay the market price for puppies. The truth is: all of these images are stolen and your puppy does not exist. You will never get whatever money they con you into putting into this fake dog back. I'm going to add the breeders I used for this post and I will add more to the list as I come across them.

If anybody else wants to add, feel free.

Danny's Golden Retriever Puppies
Family Golden Retriever Puppies
Harmony Retriever Puppies
Goldie Breeders
Vintage Retrievers (added Feb 14, 2021)
Star Belly Golden Retrievers (added Feb 26, 2021)
Amanda Golden Retrievers (added Feb 26, 2021)
Adorable Dogs and Puppies for Adoption on Facebook (added Mar 8, 2021)
Socialized Golden Retriever Puppies (FB Page: Golden Retriever puppies For Sale in North Carolina) (added Mar 15, 2021)

I want to put together a thread or post to help people coming to this forum recognize what a scam looks like. I want to first say that what I'll be referring to as scams are websites set up to look like they are breeders, but everything about it is fake and it is a system designed to take your money.

The websites have gotten somewhat clever with their names, but every single one follows the same basic format.

View attachment 880577

They always sound good until you really start paying attention.

This description sounds good at a cursory glance. But it is a bit odd and seems to be missing a lot of crucial elements. Who are these people? Their goals and descriptions are extremely vague.

View attachment 880578
View attachment 880579

Looks familiar right?

View attachment 880580

Here's another!

View attachment 880581

And another!

View attachment 880582

Here is a final of another type for good measure. If you start to notice how good sound on the surface but realize that this "About" is missing a lot of vital information. Who are they? In my above example, if you google any part of the about, you will find the original breeder that that came from.

Further, if you click on their "Shipping Page", it is almost always bizarre because there are few breeders they can steal that from. Here is an example:

View attachment 880583

That format is very odd and different from the "About" in both formatting and tone.

Now, perhaps the most telling part of a scam in every case is how they present their sale puppies. No matter how elaborate the website looks or how convincing (I have seen some scam sites add names/GRCA logo/etc) this will always be the dead giveaway.

View attachment 880584

Not a single one of these puppies look the same. The backgrounds aren't the same and the prices are LOW. These are designed to look like a good deal, since the going price for pretty much any Golden is twice that or more.

View attachment 880585

Here is another example.

View attachment 880586

This one is even funnier because "Adult Weight: 3.5 to 5 lbs".

This brings me to another point: Nearly all of these websites have a "Buy Now" or "Contact Us" option right under the puppy. They like to advertise that puppies are on sale, that they are only "X" price for this week, etc.

I've been meaning to make a post like this because I see people getting scammed weekly. This post doesn't just apply to Goldens, it applies to any breed you want to buy. They prey on people who don't want to pay the market price for puppies. The truth is: all of these images are stolen and your puppy does not exist. You will never get whatever money they con you into putting into this fake dog back. I'm going to add the breeders I used for this post and I will add more to the list as I come across them.

If anybody else wants to add, feel free.

Danny's Golden Retriever Puppies
Family Golden Retriever Puppies
Harmony Retriever Puppies
Goldie Breeders
Vintage Retrievers (added Feb 14, 2021)
Star Belly Golden Retrievers (added Feb 26, 2021)
Amanda Golden Retrievers (added Feb 26, 2021)
Adorable Dogs and Puppies for Adoption on Facebook (added Mar 8, 2021)
Socialized Golden Retriever Puppies (FB Page: Golden Retriever puppies For Sale in North Carolina) (added Mar 15, 2021)

I wanted to ask, is there any way you could tell me if either of these 2 sites are legit? I have been talking to both back and forth and I really want to purchase from one but not until I am sure. Great Golden Retriever Pets
Or this one-Grace House Golden Retriever Puppies

Thank you in advance!

 

Both are scam sites. Don't even consider a puppy whose breeder doesn't post sire and dam info, whose puppies do not look alike, are on three diff kinds of grass (no yard has three grasses growing) three diff floor types, etc- and in real life, there are zero $800 puppies out there, much less 'on sale and includes shipping'...
talking to someone- ask them for sire and dam registered names. They won't be able to supply them, or will claim some name that isn't real.

 

wouldn't one want to see the parents?...I came to this site because my breeder (have had several Goldens from her and she is listed on this site as a responsible breeder).. I have never been disappointed, but she has just passed away and to tell the truth I would be lost if I had to find a golden today....

 

Thank you so much! I am grateful to have found your site and information. When I had mentioned about them possibly being scams, neither had responded anymore after responding right away after each email. Sadly I had already fell in love with a pup from each place after so long of talking. So sad and depressing. These scammers are becoming too much anymore.

 

If you are looking for an ethical breeder, this might help: How To Recognize Ethical Breeders – Reputable Breeders, Part 1

 

It would be all the stars aligning for even one puppy to be available at this moment, the normal procedure is to shop breeders- find one you are simpatico with who does things the right way and just wait.No good breeders 'include shipping anywhere in the world' and no good breeder sells puppies to everyone who asks for one.

 

Thank you. It will definitely help!

 

If the word English, cream, white or European in the breeders kennel name, there is about a 99% chance of a scam.

 

Hello team! Can anyone in the know look at this site and tell me if it’s a scam?
Good Home Retrievers

 

Hello team! Can anyone in the know look at this site and tell me if it’s a scam?
Good Home Retrievers

Absolutely a scam. This intro doesn’t make any sense. “We always take care of the health, conformation and temperament of all our cats.”

 

Looks like a scam to me. Normal breeders - even unethical ones - typically don’t have an “add to cart” button.

 

I want to put together a thread or post to help people coming to this forum recognize what a scam looks like. I want to first say that what I'll be referring to as scams are websites set up to look like they are breeders, but everything about it is fake and it is a system designed to take your money.

The websites have gotten somewhat clever with their names, but every single one follows the same basic format.

View attachment 880577

They always sound good until you really start paying attention.

This description sounds good at a cursory glance. But it is a bit odd and seems to be missing a lot of crucial elements. Who are these people? Their goals and descriptions are extremely vague.

View attachment 880578
View attachment 880579

Looks familiar right?

View attachment 880580

Here's another!

View attachment 880581

And another!

View attachment 880582

Here is a final of another type for good measure. If you start to notice how good sound on the surface but realize that this "About" is missing a lot of vital information. Who are they? In my above example, if you google any part of the about, you will find the original breeder that that came from.

Further, if you click on their "Shipping Page", it is almost always bizarre because there are few breeders they can steal that from. Here is an example:

View attachment 880583

That format is very odd and different from the "About" in both formatting and tone.

Now, perhaps the most telling part of a scam in every case is how they present their sale puppies. No matter how elaborate the website looks or how convincing (I have seen some scam sites add names/GRCA logo/etc) this will always be the dead giveaway.

View attachment 880584

Not a single one of these puppies look the same. The backgrounds aren't the same and the prices are LOW. These are designed to look like a good deal, since the going price for pretty much any Golden is twice that or more.

View attachment 880585

Here is another example.

View attachment 880586

This one is even funnier because "Adult Weight: 3.5 to 5 lbs".

This brings me to another point: Nearly all of these websites have a "Buy Now" or "Contact Us" option right under the puppy. They like to advertise that puppies are on sale, that they are only "X" price for this week, etc.

I've been meaning to make a post like this because I see people getting scammed weekly. This post doesn't just apply to Goldens, it applies to any breed you want to buy. They prey on people who don't want to pay the market price for puppies. The truth is: all of these images are stolen and your puppy does not exist. You will never get whatever money they con you into putting into this fake dog back. I'm going to add the breeders I used for this post and I will add more to the list as I come across them.

If anybody else wants to add, feel free.

Danny's Golden Retriever Puppies
Family Golden Retriever Puppies
Harmony Retriever Puppies
Goldie Breeders
Vintage Retrievers (added Feb 14, 2021)
Star Belly Golden Retrievers (added Feb 26, 2021)
Amanda Golden Retrievers (added Feb 26, 2021)
Adorable Dogs and Puppies for Adoption on Facebook (added Mar 8, 2021)
Socialized Golden Retriever Puppies (FB Page: Golden Retriever puppies For Sale in North Carolina) (added Mar 15, 2021)
Great Golden Retriever Pets (added Aug 17, 2021)
Grace House Golden Retriever Puppies (added Aug 17, 2021)

I want to put together a thread or post to help people coming to this forum recognize what a scam looks like. I want to first say that what I'll be referring to as scams are websites set up to look like they are breeders, but everything about it is fake and it is a system designed to take your money.

The websites have gotten somewhat clever with their names, but every single one follows the same basic format.

View attachment 880577

They always sound good until you really start paying attention.

This description sounds good at a cursory glance. But it is a bit odd and seems to be missing a lot of crucial elements. Who are these people? Their goals and descriptions are extremely vague.

View attachment 880578
View attachment 880579

Looks familiar right?

View attachment 880580

Here's another!

View attachment 880581

And another!

View attachment 880582

Here is a final of another type for good measure. If you start to notice how good sound on the surface but realize that this "About" is missing a lot of vital information. Who are they? In my above example, if you google any part of the about, you will find the original breeder that that came from.

Further, if you click on their "Shipping Page", it is almost always bizarre because there are few breeders they can steal that from. Here is an example:

View attachment 880583

That format is very odd and different from the "About" in both formatting and tone.

Now, perhaps the most telling part of a scam in every case is how they present their sale puppies. No matter how elaborate the website looks or how convincing (I have seen some scam sites add names/GRCA logo/etc) this will always be the dead giveaway.

View attachment 880584

Not a single one of these puppies look the same. The backgrounds aren't the same and the prices are LOW. These are designed to look like a good deal, since the going price for pretty much any Golden is twice that or more.

View attachment 880585

Here is another example.

View attachment 880586

This one is even funnier because "Adult Weight: 3.5 to 5 lbs".

This brings me to another point: Nearly all of these websites have a "Buy Now" or "Contact Us" option right under the puppy. They like to advertise that puppies are on sale, that they are only "X" price for this week, etc.

I've been meaning to make a post like this because I see people getting scammed weekly. This post doesn't just apply to Goldens, it applies to any breed you want to buy. They prey on people who don't want to pay the market price for puppies. The truth is: all of these images are stolen and your puppy does not exist. You will never get whatever money they con you into putting into this fake dog back. I'm going to add the breeders I used for this post and I will add more to the list as I come across them.

If anybody else wants to add, feel free.

Danny's Golden Retriever Puppies
Family Golden Retriever Puppies
Harmony Retriever Puppies
Goldie Breeders
Vintage Retrievers (added Feb 14, 2021)
Star Belly Golden Retrievers (added Feb 26, 2021)
Amanda Golden Retrievers (added Feb 26, 2021)
Adorable Dogs and Puppies for Adoption on Facebook (added Mar 8, 2021)
Socialized Golden Retriever Puppies (FB Page: Golden Retriever puppies For Sale in North Carolina) (added Mar 15, 2021)
Great Golden Retriever Pets (added Aug 17, 2021)
Grace House Golden Retriever Puppies (added Aug 17, 2021)

I need your helping eye in finding out if this company is scamming us. Supposedly we are supposed to meet tomorrow at 5 pm to pick up a puppy for my step daughter. Anyhow I had full confidence in them till I spoke on the phone with them. I realized they are located in Indio CA but their number is Missouri, but they did kind of reassure me they were legit by giving me an address and recognizing that they were speaking to me not just another caller. Anyways please look into this for me I would appreciate it. "Golden and Labrador Retriever Puppies for sale"

 

This is fraud and another scam. I’m sorry that this happened to your family. Typically when they have an address, you drive to an empty house. I hope you’re able to get your money back.

 

Harbs Golden Retrievers is a scam site.

 

Just reminder to anyone making a Post in this thread regarding a Scam Breeder, if the Breeder has available pups for sale listed on their site, the direct Website Link can not be posted per Rule #4, only the name of the Breeder will comply with Rule #4.


GRF Board Rules & Registration Agreement | Golden Retriever Dog Forums (goldenretrieverforum.com)


No Member or breeders will post for any kind of breeding, stud services, discussions of proposed puppy/dog availability or sales

 

Just reminder to anyone making a Post in this thread regarding a Scam Breeder, if the Breeder has available pups for sale listed on their site, the direct Website Link can not be posted per Rule #4, only the name of the Breeder will comply with Rule #4.


GRF Board Rules & Registration Agreement | Golden Retriever Dog Forums (goldenretrieverforum.com)

 

Why is having “English Cream” in the name indicative of a scam? I’m learning, please be patient with me. One breeder I found claims to do health scans and be a responsible breeder but they do use that term.

 

Why is having “English Cream” in the name indicative of a scam?

It is a marketing scheme aimed at people that say they want a Golden retriever but really want a white puppy.
Placing a high priority on a specific color when breeding is bad enough, a nonstandard color much worse.

claims to do health scans and be a responsible breeder

All grifters claim to be honest.
There are no responsible "English Cream" breeders.

 

Would anyone be able to help me determine if this site is a scam or puppy mill? They are on Good Dog with a different name but the website is English Golden Retriever Breeder | Springhouse Farms | Bakersfield and they look legitimate to me but I still don’t have the knack you all have for figuring these things out. Thank you! ❤

 

Would anyone be able to help me determine if this site is a scam or puppy mill? They are on Good Dog with a different name but the website is English Golden Retriever Breeder | Springhouse Farms | Bakersfield and they look legitimate to me but I still don’t have the knack you all have for figuring these things out. Thank you! ❤

Maybe not quite a scam or a puppy mill, but not a good breeder. No mention of clearances (don’t have time to dig deep), no sign of them competing in any venue, etc. They even put the respective horoscope signs next to each of their dogs’ birth dates