Protect yourself
from pet scams.
Pet fraud is widespread. Scammers steal legitimate breeder identities to collect deposits for kittens that do not exist. This page tells you exactly what to watch for.
We only operate through this website
The Gentle Giants Pet Store does not advertise on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or third-party classified sites. If you see our name, photos, or kitten listings anywhere other than this website or our verified contact channels, treat it as a scam and contact us before sending any money.
Warning signs
Eight red flags that signal a scam
Scammers have become sophisticated. These are the patterns that appear most consistently in reported pet fraud cases. If even one applies to your situation, stop and verify before sending money.
Price far below market rate
A purebred kitten listed at an unusually low price is the most common lure. If it looks too good to be true, it is designed to look that way.
Payment by gift card or crypto
No legitimate breeder requests payment via gift card, prepaid debit, or cryptocurrency. These methods are untraceable and non-refundable by design.
Unable to video-call with kitten
If a seller cannot produce a live video of the kitten — on short notice, without staging — they do not have a kitten. Ask for a FaceTime call. A real breeder will say yes.
Urgency and emotional pressure
"Multiple families are interested." "Offer expires today." Legitimate breeders do not use high-pressure tactics because they do not need to.
Contact info not on the official website
The only contact information you should trust is what is listed on the breeder's official website. If someone contacts you first, verify through the site before responding.
Communication only via messaging apps
Scammers avoid calls and email because they leave records. If a seller insists on Telegram, WhatsApp, or Instagram DM only, treat it as a significant warning sign.
Listing found on a classified site
We do not list on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, PuppyFind, or similar platforms. Any listing there using our name or photos is fraudulent.
No physical address or verifiable business
We are BBB accredited and TICA registered. Both are publicly verifiable. Any seller who cannot be verified through an independent organization warrants extra scrutiny.
How to verify you are working with us
Contact us through the contact form on this website or by calling the phone number in the footer. Do not trust contact details provided by someone who reached out to you first.
We will never ask for payment via gift card, wire transfer to an unknown account, or cryptocurrency. We accept bank transfer, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, Apple Pay, Chime, and major credit cards — and all payment instructions are confirmed in writing through our documented process before any money changes hands.
Verify through our websiteIf you think you have been targeted
Contact your bank immediately to report the transaction and request a chargeback if possible.
File a report with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and with your local law enforcement. Screenshot all communications with the scammer before doing anything else.
Then contact us directly so we can document the impersonation and warn other families who may be targeted by the same operation.