Exotic-Pet Deposit Scam
A rare or exotic animal (reptile, bird, big cat, designer breed) is offered at a great price with a required deposit — for an animal that doesn't exist.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
Scammers advertise sought-after exotic pets — parrots, reptiles, servals, rare breeds — at attractive prices and ask for a deposit or full payment plus 'shipping/permit' fees by wire or crypto to reserve the animal. The pet doesn't exist, and once you pay, more permit/crate fees follow or the seller vanishes. Legality issues and the rarity of the animal discourage buyers from insisting on in-person verification, which the scammer exploits.
What it usually looks like
- A rare/exotic pet at a below-market price.
- A deposit or full payment required to reserve it.
- Extra 'permit/shipping/crate' fees.
- Payment by wire or crypto.
Common warning signs
- Deposits for exotic pets you can't verify in person.
- Wire/crypto payment demands.
- Escalating permit/shipping fees.
- Reluctance to do live video or in-person meetings.
Example wording scammers use
“Hand-raised macaw available — $400 deposit to hold, balance and shipping on pickup.”
“Rare gecko, wire the deposit and permit fee to reserve yours.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Deposits/fees for a nonexistent animal.
- Irreversible wire/crypto payments.
- To exploit rarity and legality confusion.
What to do
- Verify the seller and see the animal live before paying.
- Use reputable, licensed breeders/rescues.
- Avoid wire/crypto deposits to strangers.
- Research legality and reverse-image-search photos.
What to do if you already responded
- Contact your bank/crypto platform about the payment.
- Report to the platform and BBB.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.