How Not To Get Scammed When Buying Sphynx Cat Online

Buying a Sphynx kitten online can be an exciting experience, but it’s not as simple as picking up something from your favorite online store. When it comes to live animals, there's a higher risk of encountering scams—people who ask for upfront payment but never send the kitten, or worse, keep asking for more money with endless excuses. Better have a read first about our blog, Essential Guide to Buying a Purebred Kitten, to have the gist of what you should know before adopting a new pet. 

A big red flag is when the seller won’t let you see the kitten in person or via video call before you pay. Scammers typically avoid credit cards and ask for payment through bank transfers, mobile apps like Cash App or Zelle, or even gift cards and Western Union. These methods leave you with no way to get your money back if things go wrong. Be sure to only be partnered with Trusted and Reputable Breeders. 

Red Flags to Watch For:

1. Suspiciously Low Prices
   If someone’s offering a purebred Sphynx for less than $2000, it’s almost certainly a scam. Scammers often price these “kittens” between $350 and $800 to seem affordable. Unfortunately, we’ve heard too many stories from people who were tricked into sending money for a kitten that didn’t even exist.

2. Middle-Range Pricing Can Be Tricky
   While kittens priced between $2000 and $3500 might seem like a good deal, there’s still a risk. You could end up paying for a sick kitten, which may lead to hefty vet bills. Many so-called "purebred" cats sold in this price range haven't been tested for genetic conditions like HCM (a common heart issue in cats), and the breeders may not even have proper pedigree documentation.

How to Avoid Getting Scammed:

1. Always Ask to See the Kitten
   Reputable sellers will let you see the kitten in real life or offer a live video call. For example, trusted sites like Purebredkitties.com let you schedule a live video call, so you can meet the kitten without the need to travel.

2. Only Pay with Credit or With Debit Cards
   Legitimate websites support secure payment methods like credit or debit cards. Never pay through wire transfers, mobile apps, or gift cards—once you send the money through these channels, it’s nearly impossible to get it back if something goes wrong.

3. Check the Contact Information
   A trustworthy website will have a clear company name, phone numbers, and an address. Scammers often provide just an email and a contact form, or worse, international numbers that don’t work. Be wary of vague or nonexistent contact details—they’re usually a sign of trouble.

4. Beware of Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals
   If the price seems way below market average, that’s a huge red flag. Scammers lure people in with discounts or "special offers" that are simply not realistic. Always compare prices from several sites to ensure you’re not falling for a trap.

   

5. Look for Sloppy English
   Many scammers operate from countries where English isn't the first language. Be cautious if you notice bad grammar, spelling mistakes, or awkward phrases in the website copy. A poorly designed website can also be a red flag.

6. Check the Domain Name
   A reputable site will have a clean, simple URL, like purebredkitties.com. Be cautious of extra words like "super deals" or "discount sales" in the domain name—they're often a sign that the website isn’t legitimate.

7. Look Into the Site’s History
   Scam websites usually don’t last long. Trusted sites have been around for years, so if the site is only a few months old, it’s worth investigating further. You can check the history of a website using tools like the Wayback Machine to see how long it has existed.

8. Review the Refund Policy
   A good breeder or website will have a clear refund policy. Avoid sites with vague or nonexistent policies—they’re likely trying to avoid any responsibility once they get your money.

9. Check Customer Reviews
   Always read reviews. Many scam websites have been exposed by people who were tricked, and you can often find their complaints by searching the company name along with the word "scam."

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off, it probably is. Scammers know how to lure people with tempting deals, so it’s important to trust your gut.

You can always rely on trusted sites like Purebredkitties.com for buying kittens online. They offer live video calls, secure payment methods, and have an excellent reputation.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you’ve fallen victim to a scam, report it to your regional fraud reporting center, like the Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov), or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). If the scam happened across borders, you can file a complaint at econsumer.gov.

Conclusion

Be careful of deals that seem too good to be true. Always ask for documentation, such as health records and registration papers, before finalizing your purchase. Trusted breeders will have no problem providing this information. In the end, doing your research will help you avoid heartbreak—and a costly scam. Also, you might want to check our take about this issue on our blog, How to Choose a Reputable Breeder: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Kitten Adoption.

Moreover, there are certain things you should really do consider, and you can learn and know them here in our blog about Top Tips for Adopting a Purebred Kitten: Your Complete Guide to Finding the Perfect Feline Companion.

If you cannot find one, do not worry because we are here. We will not scam you, instead, we'll help you find your 'purr-fect' match. So better visit and Check Our Available Hairless Sphynx Cats for Sale and learn about our Adoption Process to start. Contact Us if you need anything and we'll be glad to help.