Scam Rising Threat: Pet Re Home, Adoption and Puppy Sale
- Ronnie Sun
- Sep 7
- 6 min read
Facebook Pet Community Groups: How Scammers Operate. All you need to know.
Facebook pet community groups have recently become targets for large-scale scamming syndicates. These scammers often begin by joining the group with new or freshly created profiles to test the waters. More sophisticated operations may compromise older hacked Facebook accounts, sometimes with up to 18 years of history, to make their identities appear authentic.
Within minutes or even an hour, scammers can flood a group with up to 20 spam posts, all pitching fake pet adoption, relocation issues and puppies give away/sale posts & etc. Some even quietly “plant” innocent-looking posts over weeks, building up their profile’s credibility by mimicking genuine pet owners and sharing staged stories or photos. The majority were first post by the "member" and they may comment a few reaction(like other post) to get acquainted with the community.
The scale and speed of these attacks is alarming. Their ultimate aim is to lure trusting pet lovers into scams ranging from fake pet adoptions and fundraising to fraudulent purchases and personal information phishing. Always check the account’s history, watch out for sudden bursts of promotional posts, and never send payment or sensitive info without verifying both the user and the offer’s legitimacy. Stay vigilant and help keep the pet community safe for everyone.
Singapore’s pet adoption scene faces a surge in sophisticated scams, exploiting the emotional vulnerability of animal lovers. These cons, primarily on social media, have defrauded victims of thousands of dollars. Here’s a detailed guide to recognizing, avoiding, and responding to these schemes.
"Some even quietly “plant” innocent looking posts over weeks, building up their profile’s credibility by mimicking genuine pet owners and sharing staged stories or photos" by Ronnie Sun
Sources of Scammers
Scammers operate through:
Fake social media profiles on Facebook and Instagram, impersonating owners or on “helping a friend” to” rehoming" pets.
All social media communities group - post once or multiple times to attract victims.
Online marketplaces (e.g., Carousell) where "urgent adoption" posts lure victims with purebred offers.
How Scammers Operate
The Bait: Post adorable pets (often pure or mixed breeds) with "free re home/adoption" claims or discounted prices.
The Hook: Share fabricated sob stories (e.g., "moving abroad," "owner died") to evoke sympathy .
The Trap:
Demand deposits for "vaccination," "shipping," or "reservation fees" (S$15–S$2,000) via untraceable methods (e.g., gift cards, bank transfers).
Refuse in-person meetings, citing "distance or not convenience".
Disappear after 1st payment or invent new fees.
Lone Scammer Vs Large Scale syndicates
By contrast, lone scammers typically operate with fewer posts, rely on a single new or compromised account, and show less strategic sophistication in profile construction or timing. Syndicate scams are more organized, exhibit coordinated efforts across accounts, and generate bursts of content that overwhelm group moderation, whereas lone scams appear less systematic and easier to spot due to their limited scale and amateur tactics.
Posts from large-scale syndicates show distinct patterns compared to lone scammers. Syndicate activity is characterized by high-volume, rapid posting from several or freshly hacked accounts with highly coordinated and repetitive content targeting numerous victims simultaneously. These posts often use profiles with extensive, seemingly authentic histories, staged or shared photos, and planted interactions designed to grow trust over weeks, sometimes leveraging deepfake images and scripted language for consistency.
Here’s a detailed comparison between lone scammers and large-scale syndicate scammers in a clear chart format:
Feature | Lone Scammer | Large-Scale Syndicate |
Number of Accounts Used | 1 (single, new, or basic hacked account) | Many accounts, often both new and deeply hacked ones |
Post Volume | Few posts, sporadic, easier to moderate | Dozens of posts in quick bursts—up to 50 or more per day |
Profile Authenticity | Simple profile, little history or social proof | Aged or hacked profiles with 10+ years of history, staged content |
Tactics | Direct messages, basic fake offers | Highly coordinated posting; use of staged photos, scripted text |
Content Quality | Amateur, inconsistent, often easy to spot | Polished, often repetitive or using deepfake images/text |
Engagement Manipulation | May struggle to gain traction or fake interaction | Artificial likes/comments to build fake credibility |
Moderation Evasion | Easier to block/remove after detection | Overwhelm moderation with rapid, coordinated spam |
Network Activity | Works alone, not in tandem with other accounts | Multiple synchronized accounts working in tandem |
Victim Targeting | Small-scale, fewer victims per attempt | Wide-scale targeting, seeking maximum reach per attack |
Longevity of Scam | Short-lived; often removed quickly | May “plant” accounts for weeks/months before launching scam |
"Many scammers claim 'no upfront fees' publicly but later request deposits in private messages before letting you see the pet, then vanish with your money" - Ronnie Sun
How to identify Scammers
Watch for these red flags:
Verify their profile: Review carefully to ensure it’s genuine; inconsistencies in posts or long gaps of inactivity, sometimes spanning months or years, can indicate a hacked account.
Payment demands upfront: by lone scammer or large scale syndicates for pedigree or mixed breeds
Avoidance of contact: Refusal to video call, meet, or share proof of ownership/vaccination records.
Inconsistent details: Photos stolen from legitimate sites; stories that change under questioning.
May use same or similar photos: Scammers often share high-quality photos of pets up for re home/adoption. Mostly cute small to medium breed like, Pomeranian, Bichon Frise and other popular breeds.
If You’re a Victim
Cease communication immediately.
Report to authorities:
Check by calling 1799
Singapore Police Force (https://www.police.gov.sg)
ScamShield app (https://www.scamshield.org.sg)
Platform admins (e.g., Facebook, Dogs Singapore).
Contact your bank: Attempt to reverse transactions if reported quickly.
Warn communities: Share details in pet groups to protect others.
How to Avoid Scams
Check by calling 1799: To verify if it's a scam.
Insist on video calls or in-person meetings: Never pay before seeing the pet and verifying ownership documents.
Secure payments only: Use traceable methods (credit cards, PayPal Goods & Services); avoid Zelle/gift cards.
Verify independently: The actual owner or authorised owner of the pets or etc.
Join active & moderated groups: Dogs Singapore: vigilant admin team, strict approval processes, and a watchful member base, where scam incidents are rare!
Real Stories from Our Community
"“I thought I was adopting a rescued Shih Tzu. They asked for a $250 deposit, then $300 for transport. After I paid, they vanished. No replies, no pet.”." – member of Dogs Singapore
"I was told the puppy needed a vaccination top-up. After paying $200, they asked for more for ‘delivery documents.’ That’s when I knew I’d been scammed.." – member of Dogs Singapore
These stories are not rare. Scammers prey on our love for animals and use emotional manipulation to create urgency and trust.
The Bigger Picture
Over the last three years in Singapore, the pet community has suffered significant financial losses due to scams, particularly those involving pet adoption and rehoming. While exact figures specifically for pet-related scams are not separately reported, scam losses across all categories offer perspective on the magnitude of the problem.
In 2024, total scam losses in Singapore hit a record S$1.1 billion, reflecting a 70% increase from S$651.8 million in 2023. While some of these scams involve pets, data on pet adoption scams specifically is not isolated in statistics. Pet re home/adoption scams specifically involve losing deposits ranging from S$200 to S$2500 per victim for fake pets or fraudulent listings. Given the widespread nature of these scams in popular Facebook pet groups and online platforms, losses likely amount to several million dollars over three years when factoring in unreported cases. Authorities and community groups continue to raise awareness and tighten measures to detect and prevent such scams, but vigilance is key for all pet lovers.
Sources: AsiaOne, Business Times & CNA
About Facebook
Facebook has been actively addressing the recent surge of large-scale scam posts related to pet re home/adoption and puppies give away. These scams often involve fake free adoption listings but demanding( high adoption fees or deposits privately), with scammers using new or unverified profiles, including overseas accounts, to post suspicious content. Facebook groups and administrators have been removing potential scam posts daily to protect community members. Facebook also encourages users to be vigilant and verify the credibility of adoption listings, such as checking for proof of ownership, vaccination documents, and the ability to see the pet in person before proceeding.
About Dogs Singapore
"As Singapore's No.1 dog community group, Dogs Singapore naturally attracts scammers. But with a vigilant admin team, strict approval processes, and a watchful member base, scam incidents are minimal(only 3 case reported since 2020). Our group is recognised as one of the safest spaces for pet lovers, united in preventing fraud from both individuals and organised syndicates." Ronnie Sun, Admin of Dogs Singapore
Stay vigilant: If an offer seems too good, it likely is a scam. Protect yourself by trusting only accredited sources and reporting suspicious activity. For trusted channels, visit Dogs Singapore (www.dogs.sg) or SPCA’s verified portal.
Disclaimer: Some content on this blog may be generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance readability and creativity. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy and quality, all information should be reviewed and used at your discretion. Always consult a qualified expert or professional when in doubt.
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