AVOIDING RAGDOLL KITTEN SCAMS
How to Ensure You're Not Falling for Ragdoll Cat Scams
Requesting Personalized Video Verification
To verify the seller and the kitten itself, asking for a personal video is the best way. Asking the seller to say your name in the video adds an extra layer of protection so scammers can’t use stolen content. It’s totally reasonable to ask for a video and any decent breeder will have no problem with that. If a breeder refuses or makes excuses, it’s a red flag that it’s a scam or the kitten is not socialized.
Verifying the Cattery's Registration
Checking the breeder’s cattery registration with TICA or CFA is a good start. Call TICA at (956) 428-8046 to verify. Note not all registered breeders are listed on TICA’s website so direct verification is key. Even if the breeder is registered, verifying the ownership of the cattery is important to prevent scams.
Verifying the email address of the breeder listed on TICA’s records is the next step to avoid scams. Scammers will try to deceive potential buyers by using stolen photos and creating fake email addresses that look like the real cattery name. By cross checking the email address provided by the person you’re communicating with against the one listed with TICA, you can verify their legitimacy. Don’t rely on website links provided by the seller; take proactive measures to ensure you’re communicating with the real breeder.
Using Google Reverse Image Search
Using Google Reverse Image Search is a great way to check if the pictures the seller has provided are genuine. Save the image they’ve shared and upload it to the search tool and you’ll see if the same image appears on other websites. If you find the image on multiple breeder websites it could mean it’s been stolen. While finding the original source of the image may take more investigation, this will help you identify potential scams and take precautions before sending any money.
Importance of Social Media Presence
Having a Facebook page for your cattery is common practice for reputable breeders as it’s a platform to share information, updates and interact with potential buyers. If a breeder doesn’t have a Facebook page it could be a cause for caution. Check their Facebook and Instagram profiles if they have them and you’ll get an idea of their credibility and breeding program. These social media platforms allow breeders to show off their cats, share testimonials from satisfied customers and post regular updates on their kittens. Not being on these platforms doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a scam but it’s worth considering as part of your overall assessment when evaluating a breeder.
Importance of a Professional Website
A professional website is a sign of a good breeder. Scammers will throw up a quick website to catch the unsuspecting buyer. Pay attention to the quality of communication including grammar and language skills especially if the breeder is in another country. Even if they have a USA number for texting, language discrepancies can be a red flag of fraud. Be cautious when dealing with breeders with no website or with a basic website and pay attention to the quality of communication to protect yourself from scams in the pet adoption process.
Verifying Breeder's Veterinarian
Asking for the name and number of a breeder’s veterinarian is a good way to make sure the breeder has kittens and they are getting vet care. Reputable breeders will provide this information as part of their commitment to their cats. If you get any hesitation or resistance from the breeder in sharing this information, it’s a red flag. Our veterinarian is Dr. Kelly at Southwest Animal Hospital and we welcome inquiries or references from potential adopters to verify our commitment to the health and well being of our Ragdoll kittens.
Speaking to the Breeder Directly
When you talk to the breeder on the phone it’s an important step in building trust and verifying their legitimacy. Scammers will often avoid phone calls or struggle to speak English which can be a warning sign. A real breeder will be happy to talk to you, answer your questions and reassure you about their breeding practices and the health of their kittens. If you encounter any hesitation or communication barriers during the call then be cautious and consider it a red flag.
Beware of Unusually Low Prices
Be wary of super cheap Ragdoll kittens as they are often a scam. Ragdoll kittens are more expensive, usually starting at $2000 and higher quality kittens start at $2500. Scammers will offer prices from $400 to $1500 and claim to include free shipping and doorstep delivery. Shipping a kitten is expensive, usually at least $400 to $600 not including extra costs during the pandemic. If a seller claims to offer free shipping or an unrealistically low shipping cost then it’s a scam.
Using Caution with Online Platforms
Be careful when buying kittens from Craigslist or similar sites. Reputable breeders have professional websites and are registered with TICA (The International Cat Association). Craigslist and similar sites don’t have the same safeguards against scams. A breeder’s website will have info about their breeding program, the health of their cats and their commitment to responsible breeding. Registration with TICA is extra insurance a breeder is legit and follows industry standards. By avoiding Craigslist and similar sites and working with registered breeders with websites you can reduce the risk of being scammed and have a safe and legitimate adoption.
Be Cautious of Emotional Manipulation
Be wary of emotional scams. One of the worst is scammers stealing images from legitimate sources like websites to create fake stories. I had scammers take pictures of my daughter with our kitten from our website and use them to deceive. They would spin a story about a family member with cancer and say they needed to sell the kitten to cover medical expenses not covered by insurance. This plays on people’s sympathy as a desperate family in need.
Exercise Vigilance in Research
Be on high alert when looking for a Ragdoll kitten as scammers have started removing watermarks from photos and videos. This makes stolen content look legit and increases the chances of getting scammed. Be thorough in your research, verify the seller and check all communication and documentation. Stay safe in your search for a Ragdoll kitten.
Utilize Reliable Resources
In the fight against kitten and puppy scammers, PetScams.com is a lifesaver. This website not only has a list of known scammers but also a place to report scams.
Join Trusted Communities
For extra protection against scams, join SCAMMERS & Bad Ragdoll Buyers and Sellers Facebook group. Here you can use the search tool to look up catteries or breeder names and see if there have been any reported negative experiences.
Report Suspicious Activities
To stop scams and protect others from getting scammed, use the link www.usa.gov/stop-scams to report any suspicious activity to the government. By reporting these scams you are helping to protect the community from potential scams and make it a safer place for everyone.
Advocating for Responsible Breeding
You are right to be against backyard breeding and for responsible breeding. Backyard breeding puts profit over the cat and the breed and results in health issues and behavioral problems in the kittens.
By emphasizing genetic testing, vet care, proper nutrition, socialization and love you are listing the basics that responsible breeders follow. These produce healthier and happier cats and help preserve and promote the breed characteristics and temperament.