Puppy Scams

How to Protect Yourself When Buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy

Bringing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy into your family should be an exciting experience. Unfortunately, the popularity of the breed also makes Cavaliers a target for puppy scammers and dishonest sellers.

Puppy scams involve people advertising puppies that do not exist, using stolen photographs and information, impersonating genuine breeders, or creating convincing websites and social media profiles to obtain money from prospective buyers.

Scammers can be particularly effective because they understand how emotionally invested people become when searching for their new puppy. They may use photographs of adorable Cavalier puppies, attractive stories and apparently professional websites to make an advertisement appear legitimate. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has specifically warned that sought-after pedigree breeds can be targeted by puppy scammers. 

For anyone looking to purchase a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in Queensland, taking the time to verify the breeder, puppy and documentation before making any payment is essential.

What Is a Puppy Scam?

A puppy scam is a type of fraud in which a person falsely advertises a puppy for sale with the intention of obtaining money or personal information from the prospective buyer. In a typical scam, the advertised puppy may not exist at all.

The scammer may:

  • Use photographs taken from another breeder's website or social media account

  • Copy a genuine breeder's information

  • Create a fake breeder website

  • Impersonate an established breeder

  • Advertise puppies at unusually low prices

  • Claim the puppy is located interstate or overseas

  • Give a reason why you cannot visit the puppy

  • Request a deposit before you have seen the puppy

  • Ask for additional payments for transport, insurance, customs, quarantine or veterinary expenses

  • Pressure you to make a quick decision

  • Stop responding after receiving payment

The scam can sometimes involve multiple payments, with the seller inventing additional fees after the initial deposit has been paid. Scamwatch has specifically warned about fake requests for transport, customs and medical expenses. 

Why Cavaliers Can Be Targeted

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a popular and highly sought-after breed.

Scammers can take advantage of this popularity by advertising puppies that appear to be:

  • Purebred

  • Pedigreed

  • Rare colours

  • Health tested

  • From an established bloodline

  • Registered with a recognised organisation

  • Available immediately

A scammer may even use the name, breeder prefix, registration details or photographs belonging to a genuine breeder. This is particularly concerning because a prospective purchaser may believe they have carefully researched the breeder when, in fact, they have been communicating with an impersonator.

Dogs Queensland has warned breeders about puppy scam websites that use legitimate Dogs Queensland registration and Queensland breeder identification numbers, along with information taken from genuine breeders' online advertisements. 

This means that seeing a legitimate-looking registration or breeder number is not, by itself, enough. The information should be independently verified.

The Golden Rule: Never Buy a Puppy You Have Not Seen

One of the strongest protections against puppy scams is also one of the simplest:

Meet the puppy in person before you buy.

The RSPCA recommends that prospective owners never purchase an animal sight unseen. Meeting the puppy and visiting the environment in which it has been raised allows you to assess the puppy's health and behaviour, meet the breeder and, where appropriate, see the puppy's mother and living conditions. 

Be extremely cautious if a seller:

  • Refuses to let you visit

  • Says the puppy is too young for visitors

  • Claims the mother is unavailable

  • Says they are interstate or overseas

  • Offers to meet you somewhere other than where the puppies are raised

  • Offers to deliver the puppy without you visiting first

  • Continually postpones your visit

  • Gives you a reason why an in-person meeting is impossible

A video call can provide additional reassurance, but it should not be regarded as a substitute for seeing the puppy, breeder and relevant environment in person.

Be Wary of Unusually Cheap Cavaliers

An unusually low price can be a warning sign. Scammers may advertise a pedigree Cavalier puppy at an attractive price to encourage buyers to act quickly.

However, price alone does not prove that an advertisement is a scam. Legitimate puppies can vary in price for many reasons, and an expensive puppy is not necessarily being offered by a responsible breeder.

Consider the complete picture.

Ask yourself:

  • Does the seller provide detailed information?

  • Can you verify their identity?

  • Can you visit the puppy?

  • Can you meet the mother?

  • Are the relevant health records available?

  • Can the breeder provide appropriate registration information?

  • Is the puppy being raised in an environment you can see?

  • Does the breeder ask you questions about your suitability as an owner?

  • Is the seller pressuring you to pay immediately?

Scamwatch recommends being particularly cautious when a pedigree puppy is advertised at a price that appears too good to be true. 

Don't Be Fooled by a Professional-Looking Website

A professional website does not necessarily mean that the breeder is genuine.

Scammers can create websites that look remarkably legitimate, including:

  • Breeder profiles

  • Puppy photographs

  • Testimonials

  • Pedigrees

  • Health information

  • Registration numbers

  • Contact details

  • Social media accounts

  • "About us" pages

Dogs Queensland has specifically reported cases in which scammers have created websites using information taken from legitimate breeders, including breeder prefixes and registration numbers. 

Verify - DO NOT simply trust.

If you find a breeder online, independently search for their name, breeder prefix, contact details and registration information. If possible, contact the relevant organisation using contact details obtained independently from the advertisement or website.

Do not assume that a phone number, email address or website supplied by the seller proves their identity.

Check the Breeder's Details in Queensland

If you are purchasing a puppy in Queensland, there are specific requirements relating to dog breeders and the advertising and supply of dogs.

Queensland's Dog Breeder Register states that people who advertise, sell, give away or otherwise supply dogs or puppies generally need to provide a Supply Number identifying the registered breeder. 

The Queensland Government encourages people to:

  1. Look for the Supply Number in the advertisement or where the puppy is being offered.

  2. Check the number against the Queensland Dog Breeder Register.

  3. Contact the breeder if there are questions about where the puppy originated.

  4. Ensure appropriate microchip transfer-of-ownership documentation is provided. 

Important

A valid-looking number should always be independently checked. Dogs Queensland has warned that scammers have used legitimate registration and breeder identification numbers belonging to genuine breeders. 

Therefore, verifying a number is an important step, but it should form part of a broader investigation into the breeder.

Is the Seller Really the Breeder?

One of the most important questions to ask is:

Who actually bred this puppy?

A person advertising a Cavalier may not be the breeder.

Ask:

  • Who owns the puppy's mother?

  • Where was the puppy born?

  • Where has the puppy been raised?

  • Can I meet the mother?

  • Can I see where the puppies have been raised?

  • Who is the registered breeder?

  • What is the breeder's registration or Supply Number?

  • Can I independently verify those details?

Be cautious if the answers are unclear, inconsistent or constantly changing.

Be Careful with Stolen Photographs

Scammers frequently use photographs belonging to other people. A photograph of a beautiful Cavalier puppy does not prove that the puppy exists or that it belongs to the person advertising it.

Consider performing a reverse image search on photographs used in an advertisement. You can also search the exact wording used in the advertisement. Scamwatch recommends searching the exact wording of suspicious puppy advertisements because scammers may reuse the same text across multiple advertisements. 

If the same puppy photograph appears under different breeder names, locations or websites, treat this as a significant warning sign.

Watch for Pressure to Pay

A responsible breeder should not need to pressure you into making an immediate payment.

Be cautious if you receive messages such as:

"There are five other families interested."

"You need to pay the deposit today."

"Someone else is about to take the puppy."

"We can only hold the puppy once payment is received."

"The puppy is available for a special price if you pay now."

Scammers use urgency to prevent prospective buyers from stopping to investigate.

Slow down. If someone is putting pressure on you to transfer money before you have properly verified the puppy and breeder, walk away.

Be Suspicious of Extra Fees

One of the classic characteristics of a puppy scam is the request for additional money after the initial payment.

For example, you may be told that you need to pay for:

  • Special transport

  • Pet insurance

  • A travel crate

  • Veterinary clearance

  • Vaccinations

  • Customs clearance

  • Quarantine

  • Airport fees

  • Special permits

  • Additional transport

  • Temperature-controlled transportation

The scammer may claim that the puppy cannot be released until another payment is made. Scamwatch and the ACCC have specifically warned about scams involving fabricated transport, customs and medical expenses.  If a seller continually asks for additional payments, stop communicating and do not send more money.

Overseas Puppy Scams

Be especially cautious about advertisements for Cavaliers supposedly located overseas or puppies that can supposedly be imported into Australia quickly. Australian biosecurity and import requirements apply to dogs entering Australia, and legitimate international movement of dogs involves specific requirements and processes.

A seller claiming that an overseas puppy can arrive in Australia within a very short timeframe should be treated with extreme caution. Scamwatch has previously warned that scammers use stories involving overseas puppies, customs and quarantine to persuade buyers to make additional payments. 

Don't Assume Social Media Means the Seller Is Genuine

Social media has made it easier than ever to showcase puppies — but it has also provided scammers with another way to reach potential buyers.

A scammer may create:

  • A Facebook page

  • An Instagram account

  • A TikTok account

  • A Facebook group

  • A fake breeder profile

  • A website linked to social media

They may post photographs regularly to make the account appear established.

Look beyond the number of followers, comments and photographs.

Ask:

  • Can I verify who this person is?

  • Can I visit the property?

  • Can I meet the puppy and its mother?

  • Can I independently verify their registration details?

  • Can I verify the health information?

  • Does the breeder have a genuine history that can be independently confirmed?

A Responsible Breeder Will Want to Know About You

An important distinction between a responsible breeder and a scammer is that a responsible breeder is usually interested in where their puppies are going.

A reputable breeder may ask you about:

  • Your home

  • Your lifestyle

  • Your experience with dogs

  • Your family

  • Your working hours

  • Other animals

  • Your expectations of the breed

  • Why you want a Cavalier

  • Your plans for the puppy

  • Whether you understand the breed's needs

This is not necessarily an inconvenience.

It can be a very positive sign. A breeder who genuinely cares about their puppies should want to make sure that each puppy is placed in an appropriate home.

Ask for Health Information

A pedigree alone does not prove that a Cavalier puppy is healthy. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be affected by inherited and hereditary conditions, which is why responsible breeding includes appropriate health screening and consideration of the health of the parents and wider family.

Ask the breeder about the health screening undertaken for the puppy's parents and request copies of relevant documentation.

Depending on the breeding program, this may include information relating to:

  • Cardiac health

  • Eye examinations

  • DNA testing

  • Orthopaedic health

  • Neurological conditions

  • Other breed-relevant health concerns

Do not simply accept statements such as "the parents are healthy" or "the puppies are vet checked" as a substitute for appropriate documentation.

A veterinary puppy check is not the same thing as comprehensive health screening of the parents and their breeding lines.

A Pedigree Does Not Prove a Puppy Is Genuine

A scammer may provide a photograph or even a copy of a pedigree to make an advertisement appear legitimate. This is why prospective owners should independently verify information wherever possible.

A genuine pedigree should be considered alongside:

  • The identity of the breeder

  • Registration information

  • The puppy's microchip details

  • The parents

  • Health documentation

  • The breeding environment

  • The breeder's history

  • The puppy itself

Documentation should support your investigation — not replace it.

Puppy Scam Red Flags: Your Quick Checklist

Before paying a deposit for a Cavalier puppy, stop if you notice several of these warning signs:

☐ The price is unusually low.

☐ You cannot meet the puppy in person.

☐ You cannot meet the puppy's mother.

☐ The seller refuses to let you visit the property.

☐ The seller wants to meet somewhere else.

☐ Delivery is offered instead of an in-person visit.

☐ The seller is interstate or overseas and cannot provide a reasonable opportunity to meet.

☐ The seller communicates only by text or email.

☐ The advertisement contains very little verifiable information.

☐ The photographs appear elsewhere online.

☐ The seller is pressuring you to pay quickly.

☐ You are asked for payment before seeing the puppy.

☐ You are asked for additional transport, customs or veterinary payments.

☐ Registration or breeder details cannot be independently verified.

☐ The breeder will not provide relevant health documentation.

☐ The information provided by the seller changes or doesn't add up.

One red flag does not necessarily mean that a seller is a scammer. Several red flags together should cause you to stop and investigate further.

How to Safely Buy a Cavalier Puppy

Before committing to a puppy, consider following these steps:

1. Research the breed first

Understand the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's characteristics, needs, health considerations and temperament.

2. Research breeders

Look beyond a single advertisement. Search for the breeder independently.

3. Verify registration details

In Queensland, check the breeder's relevant Supply Number and registration information.

4. Speak with the breeder

Have a genuine conversation rather than communicating only by text.

5. Visit in person

Meet the breeder, puppy and mother and see where the puppies have been raised.

6. Ask questions

A responsible breeder should be willing to discuss their breeding program, health testing, puppies and plans for their dogs.

7. Examine health documentation

Ask to see appropriate health records and testing results.

8. Verify before paying

Do not allow excitement or pressure to override your due diligence.

9. Trust your instincts

If something doesn't feel right, walk away.

There will always be another opportunity to find the right puppy and the right breeder.

What to Do If You Think You've Found a Puppy Scam

If you believe an advertisement or seller may be fraudulent:

Do not send any further money.

Save evidence, including:

  • Screenshots of advertisements

  • Website addresses

  • Social media profiles

  • Emails and messages

  • Phone numbers

  • Bank account or payment details

  • Photographs

  • Receipts

  • Copies of documents supplied by the seller

You can report scams to Scamwatch, which is operated by the ACCC. If you have already paid money, contact your bank or financial institution as soon as possible and ask what options may be available.

If you believe an advertisement involves animal welfare concerns or an unregistered breeder, you should also consider contacting the relevant Queensland authorities.

Remember: Don't Let Your Heart Rush Your Head

Finding a Cavalier puppy can be incredibly exciting. You may fall in love with a photograph in seconds. You may imagine the puppy sleeping beside you, following you around the house and becoming part of your family.

That is exactly why scammers can be successful. Stop. Slow down. Investigate.

Never allow excitement, urgency or fear of missing out to convince you to transfer money before you have established that the puppy and breeder are genuine.

A responsible breeder should understand that choosing a puppy is an important decision and should be willing to answer your questions.

And remember:

If you cannot see the puppy, the breeder and where the puppy has been raised, don't buy it.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club (Queensland) encourages prospective Cavalier owners to research carefully, ask questions and make informed decisions when choosing a puppy.

A puppy is not simply an online purchase.

It is the beginning of a relationship that may last 10, 12, 14 years or more. Choose carefully.

For the betterment of the breed.

References

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. (2018, March 26). Don't fall for a scammer's puppy dog eyes. Scamwatch. ACCC / Scamwatch

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. (2026). Buying and selling scams. Scamwatch. Scamwatch

Queensland Government. (2026). Getting a dog. Queensland Dog Breeder Register. Queensland Dog Breeder Register

Queensland Government. (2026). Puppy farms. Queensland Government. Queensland Government

RSPCA Australia. (2026, February 17). Companion animals online; The red flags to watch for. RSPCA Australia

RSPCA Australia. (2024, June 17). What are some red flags when looking for a dog or cat online? RSPCA Knowledgebase. RSPCA Knowledgebase

Dogs Queensland. (2025). Breeder alert – Puppy scam websites. Dogs Queensland Magazine. Dogs Queensland