You may be asking why I would be posting such a tab on my site if I am a breeder. The truth is that I cannot be everything to everyone. I genuinely want you to find your purrfect partner even if it is not one of mine.
If you have been on any of the social media groups for Maine Coons you have likely seen someone who has posted about being scammed. It happens every day to people just like you. If it has been you, I am sorry. You are not dumb, and please do not beat yourself up about it any further. Just arm yourself with the right tools to spot one to protect yourself. There are a few key things that make them stick out.
How long ago was the page created?
Does the page have a generic name like the one pictured here? ---------------->>>>>>>>>
Look at the content!!
A legitimate breeder will have lots of posts on their social media page. You should see different pics of the same cats. Most of us post our new breeders, we thank the catteries that allowed us to add them to our program, and we post updates of them as they grow and develop. Are there any pictures of any adult cats? We post pics of our current kittens. Our backdrops may change but you should still see the same kittens posted as they grow.
Are the photos watermarked with the cattery name?
Are there videos? Is the background in the videos the same as the candid shots of their cats?
If you just see a bunch of kittens posted and no updates or dialog then that is a red flag. Scammers get their material to scam you with by stealing pics from other breeders. You may see a whole litter posted with the same background and then a bunch of other kittens with different backgrounds. The key is looking at the dialog.
We post when our kittens leave for their new homes and thank their new families for loving them and trusting us to be their breeder. You will not find this content on a scammer's page as there are no real kittens to tag anyone and thank them for.
If you do not get a good feeling about the content on their page then WALK AWAY!!
A legitimate breeder will want to establish a relationship with you. Have a list of questions before you reach out. Ask them lots and lots of questions.
Ask for references.
Ask for documentation, registration papers of parents, testing documentation of parents...etc.
If they give you any refusal in answering them then WALK AWAY!!
The scammers get you on the impulse buy on the cutest kitten pics they can find. Their answer is never no when you tell them you are looking for something specific. A scammer has everything and nothing at the same time.
Always ask for a video call, or at the least a photo of the kitten with the current date and your name written on a piece of paper placed beside the kitten. If they deny it or stall, WALK AWAY!!
One of the quickest ways to recognize a scammer is by their price. Is a $2500 cat being offered for less than $1000? if it is too good to be true, it probably is.
Never send money to anyone you have not already crossed off #1, #2, and #3 above and feel confident in the relationship. Do not send money in the form of prepaid cards!! A legit breeder would NEVER ask you for this! Your deposit should either be in cash in person or through a form of payment that has protection, such as PayPal. The remaining balance is up to you and the breeder to agree upon. Cash, check, or money order is typical but when shipping it is not always feasible. If they refuse to let you pay the balance in cash at pick up is another huge red flag!
A legit breeder will never ask you for more money once the final arrangements are made. Scammers are notorious for asking for additional fees. Some of the most common ones are fees for the vet, a carrier, or the transporter is asking for more money. WALK AWAY!
The bottom line is to find a breeder you feel comfortable with. I treat all of my clients as part of my family. If one of my clients has an issue, they know they can call me. If you do not feel this comfortable, keep looking.
The best advice I can give is to not fall for a cute kitten. Find a breeder you connect with and wait for your kitten. If you cannot wait, ask for a referral. Good people typically know good people.
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