Pet-Sitting / Boarding Deposit Scam
Fake pet-sitters/boarders take deposits and vanish, or scam 'clients' overpay a real sitter with a bad check and ask for the difference back.
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What this scam is
Two variants: (1) A 'pet sitter' or boarding facility takes a deposit to reserve care, then disappears or doesn't exist. (2) A scam 'client' books a real sitter, sends an overpayment (bad check or reversible transfer) for 'extra services' or a 'transport handler,' and asks the sitter to refund the difference — the classic overpayment scam. Meeting in person, using protected payments, and never refunding overpayments protect both sides.
What it usually looks like
- A pet-sitter/boarder requiring a deposit before you meet.
- A 'client' overpaying and asking for the difference back.
- Payment/refund by app or check.
- Pressure to book or refund quickly.
Common warning signs
- Deposits to unverified sitters/facilities.
- Overpayments with refund requests (for sitters).
- App/check payments and refunds.
- Reluctance to meet or verify.
Example wording scammers use
“Reserve your dog's boarding with a $150 deposit via Zelle.”
“(To a sitter) 'I've sent extra for the pet's transport — please refund the $300 difference to the handler.'”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Deposits, or a refunded overpayment.
- To exploit trust around pet care.
- Irreversible payments.
What to do
- Meet sitters/facilities and verify reviews before paying deposits.
- Sitters: never refund an overpayment; use protected payments; verify checks clear.
- Avoid app/check deposits to strangers.
- Keep records of arrangements.
What to do if you already responded
- Contact your bank/app about the payment.
- Report the account to the platform.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.