How to avoid scammers
Simple rules for anyone rehoming, buying or looking for a mate for breeding.
Simple rules
- Do not send an advance payment to strangers.
- Ask for the animal’s documents: a veterinary passport, pedigree, a contract, if they are stated in the profile.
- Do not send copies of your passport.
- Meet in busy places.
- Compare the photos and description with what you see at the meeting.
- Remember: the “Verified” badge is not a guarantee.
Warning signs
- Rehoming “for a fee” or “for delivery”. Rehoming in PetMate is free.
- A request to urgently transfer something to “reserve” the animal.
- A sale profile without the “Verified” badge (it is labelled “Private listing, not verified”) and without documents.
- An attempt to get your phone number or a link in the very first message: contacts are hidden until both sides agree to exchange them.
If something is wrong
Tap “Report” on the profile, message or counterpart (how). If you have already transferred funds, contact your bank and law enforcement: the service takes no part in payments and cannot refund them.