Do your research! 

Only purchase from a reputable dealer. A reputable dealer will have a website that includes location. Pictures and links to their social sites (Facebook, twitter, etc.)

Check BBB Business Profiles on BBB.org for complaints and customer reviews before you make the purchase.

Don’t buy a pet without seeing it in person. If that isn't possible, request a live video call to view the animal, make sure you can see the breeder in the video and ask to see the facility. 

Ask for their name and address. Search their name and address via google. Verify the facility on google maps street view. Matching up the street view with video call. 

Conduct a reverse image search of the picture of the pet you are considering. If the same picture appears on multiple websites, it’s likely a fraud. You also can search for distinctive text from ads or testimonials, to see if the seller copied it from another website.

Avoid wiring money, or using a cash app or gift card. These payment methods offer no way to get your money back if you are the victim of fraud. If using a cash app, do not send money until a contract is signed/electronic signature is forwarded to you and you receive a deposit receipt in addition to the cash app receipt. A good breeder will let you make a decision to make a deposit to hold a puppy or wait to pick up puppy and pay (this option will not ensure a puppy or puppy of choice at the time of pickup).

Do research to get a sense of a fair price for the breed you are considering. Think twice if someone advertises a purebred dog for free or at a deeply discounted price, it could be a fraudulent offer.

Consider reaching out to a local animal shelter. Many shelters are looking for fosters to help relieve animal stress and reduce overcrowding at their facilities.