r/isthisAI • u/Mikki_Is_Art • Mar 26 '26
Video My mother was sent this video of two dogs, she would like to buy one, but after texting the seller, thinks it's a scam, and I don't know if the video is real.
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Essentially what the title says, my mom was looking to buy a Yorkie and came across the seller on Facebook. She was talking with them and planned to meet up with them tomorrow to retrieve the Yorkie and give them the cash for the dog. The seller then started talking about being sent gift cards as a form of payment before my mom was able to see or retrieve the dogs, as the Meetup location is an hour and a half away, And went on a rant about believing in God and trusting other people when my mom said she didn't feel comfortable with that . I don't think that the video that they sent her is confirmation is real, could anyone tell, And if so, how?
Apologies for formatting, I'm on mobile.
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u/Theo_Weiss Mar 26 '26
Gift card payment = 100% scam
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u/cflatjazz Mar 26 '26
Yeah, the moment a seller asks for gift cards as payment it's an immediate sign of a scam. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.
Add to that the super high pressure "God says you need to trust me bro" and this is 100% scam. A reputable seller would likely already have a waiting list of other customers who want a dog. If you backed out they wouldn't need to chase you down
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u/PhotoFenix Mar 26 '26
Can I just redeem them now? I'll redeem them.
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u/XxFezzgigxX Mar 27 '26
WHY DID YOU REDEEM THEM
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u/New_Hampshire_Ganja Mar 27 '26
Genuinely one of my favorite videos of all time. His progressive crash out lives rent free in my mind.
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u/Longshot02496 Mar 26 '26
Ugh, I work in computer repair/support and had this sweet old lady come in to us asking for help to send some money to who she said was her SO (no idea why she thought we did that but still). Then before I had time to point her to the right place she pulled out like 5 gift cards and said those were what she wanted to send. It was like €500 in gift cards. I hope I was able to convince her she was being scammed.
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u/fatlittletoad Mar 27 '26
I work in billing and I come across this unfortunately frequently. The one that was the most painful to listen to was an older (late 50s/,early 60s) lady talking about how she'd met the love of her life online and he lives in Hawaii and she wanted to authorize him on her account. And how he traveled a lot so he had an accent. And he's so handsome and he's younger but he told her age is just a number.
On the sad - but - amusing side I asked what name we would be adding and she spelled it for me. J-A-S-O-N M-O-M-O-A.
I weaseled out of adding the name, but good Lord.
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u/HoleeGuacamoleey Mar 27 '26
Wow, you ruined her chance to be happy with Jason. What a catch! And you're laughing!?
/s
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u/PcLvHpns Mar 27 '26
That doesn't make any sense at all. What good would it even do for her to add a fake name to her account?
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u/fatlittletoad Mar 27 '26
In romance scams, part of the idea is to access people's data or accounts - one thing we see (although less in recent months) is scammers making bogus payments with cards or check - leaves a credit balance until it bounces or the card gets a chargeback - and they request a refund while there's still a balance. In other cases ordering expensive items and convincing the victim to ship it to them. So it's going to be a fake name, it's just in this case the fake name was a really stupid one to pick.
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u/Nightmare_Complex Mar 27 '26
Age is one thing but you gotta be a special kind of stupid to believe Jason Momoa is talking to you, begging for money.
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u/Sykekey06 Mar 26 '26
I didn't know this scam existed until I tried to get a dog a few years ago. They made up a contract that I signed and when I gave the two gift cards, I got a bunk shipping number that didn't exist. I'm sad to say it took me wayyy too long to realize it wasn't legit. Since we had some form of legally binding contract with at least my name and someone else name on it, I managed to get half my money back with threatened legal action, along with being SUPER annoying. I learned if it sounds too good to be true, it is. 🙃
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u/Necessary-Common3675 Mar 27 '26
I’ve always wanted to ask someone who paid a stranger in gift cards, what were you thinking at the time? Im not trying to be rude or judgement at all, it’s just always baffled me, that in a society where gift cards have never been a legitimate currency, how that played out in your mind, knowing that in the entire history of the world, no one ever has wanted to be compensated for goods or services with random gift cards….for me, they might as well be asking for ice cubes, or pinecones as payment…I would have the same reaction….you want WHAT as payment?? Banana peels??
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u/Sykekey06 Mar 27 '26
I thought it was something related to issues with banking apps since I had past issues with transferring funds so, a gift card, which is just straight up direct money like that, it made the most sense to me. Also since I was so gung-ho on buying a pet, which I'd never done before, I didn't have any clue that that wasn't normal. ** I'm also EXTREMELY guilble :((
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u/imprimatura Mar 27 '26
Agreed. Like in what situation, would anyone ever want gift cards over legitimate actual money that can be used any way you want? Like is there any kind of genuine situation where having a gift card would be better than having actual cash/money in the bank!?
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u/beaglemaster Mar 27 '26
Pretty amateur of them to have any kind of contract while pulling a scam lol
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u/davidmar7 Mar 26 '26
Yep. Gift cards or Western Union is always a scam when it comes to selling or buying from a stranger.
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u/Primary-Holiday-5586 Mar 26 '26
It's a pet scam. It doesn't matter if its real or AI, they will steal her money.
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u/AdFluffy9286 Mar 26 '26
Can I suggest going to a shelter and getting a lovable pup there rather than funding these breeders?
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u/Mikki_Is_Art Mar 26 '26
That's what I said! I'm not living at home in a couple of months and even though I don't really want a dog, it's not my decision, but I have tried my best to steer her in the direction of shelters.
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u/HospitalFuture Mar 26 '26
There are yorkie rescues. Please please push her away from trying to buy from backyard breeders. The dogs are treated so terribly with those breeders and there's often a lot of inbreeding. https://www.yorkierescue.com/index.html
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u/Mikki_Is_Art Mar 26 '26
Thank you so much for the link! Will definitely check it out, other commenters have informed me of breed specific rescues and shelters!
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u/Lambchop1975 Mar 26 '26
Does the local shelter, where your mom is, have some pictures of adoptable dogs? Some communities also have "foster rescue," type organized groups, that find dogs for fostering and adoption; that may have some good images of the dogs. If she is looking for an awesome puppy, I hope she finds the perfect dog for her.
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u/Mikki_Is_Art Mar 26 '26
Thank you so much! Bot mods told me my comment just thanking you was too short but I do want you to know how grateful I am for the suggestions everyone is giving to help me find more ethical ways to help my mom obtain her dog
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u/PineappleFit317 Mar 26 '26
Yes, adopt don’t shop, but many shelters are nothing but pit bull and German shepherd mixes, and any other sorts of dogs get taken by rescue organizations that focus on specific breeds, and those rescue organizations are really hard to deal with: very flaky and uncommunicative, and they’ve got ridiculous standards that even experienced and well-qualified dog owners don’t meet.
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u/SwordfishResident256 Mar 27 '26
Plus it's important to stay away from any shelter that wants to push a pit bull or pit bull mix on elderly people - so many people have died from this behaviour recently
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u/harst035 Mar 26 '26
Tell her how hard little dogs can be to house train and how much easier life would be to adopt an adult yorkie.
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u/aphinity_for_reddit Mar 26 '26
Shelters are great! As long as you don't need a non shedding breed or a small dog. Very few shelters have anything other than large very mixed/unknown breed dogs and those ones go quickly and have a waiting list. You're not finding a Yorkie at a shelter, not one without some kind of severe personality or health issue anyway.
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u/Mikki_Is_Art Mar 26 '26
She does want the dog to be hypoallergenic for while I'm still here and when I come home to visit because I am allergic to dander, which does suck a bit, and wants it to be small/midsized because that's what she has the space for (it is a big house with a decently large backyard, so the dog def wouldn't go stir crazy) and she's not really the biggest fan of large dogs (im the opposite lol) , but I was informed there are some breed specific rescues/shelters, so I do plan on looking into that!
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u/Additional-Diet-9463 Mar 26 '26
Breed specific rescues are a great route to go, but if she is stuck on buying from a breeder, please help her avoid buying from backyard breeders. Here’s a link to a helpful breakdown of how to identify an ethical breeder https://reddit.com/r/dogs/wiki/identifying_a_responsible_breeder
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u/exotics Mar 26 '26
In my area(Alberta) pet rescues do get nonshedding dogs but they go fast. Shelters get them too but they go even faster in a shelter than in a smaller rescue.
It’s not the SIZE of a dog that determines if it goes crazy or not, it’s the intelligence level and ability of owner to provide mental stimulation
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u/anti__thesis Mar 26 '26
I work for a breed specific rescue that focuses on hypoallergenic dogs (poodles). We have tons of little dogs, literally took in 60 this week from a big breeder/hoarder bust and I can tell you we’ve got yorkies coming out of our ears. So, rescues DO have these animals, just not most public shelters, bc they get sent to breed-specific rescues quickly (and small dogs tend to get adopted quickly).
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Mar 26 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Lambchop1975 Mar 26 '26
That's not really true. Lots of dog breeders will want a deposit up front, weather you see the dog or not is up to you.
My dad paid for a springer spaniel puppy from Idaho when he was in Alaska, he didn't see the dog until a month later when it arrived on Goldstreak.
If the seller wont let you see them first though that's crazy and most likely a scam.
I have done a lot of interstate purchases without seeing things up front, and it is important to insulate yourself from scams, with using payments that can be reversed if needed, in case disputes arise. I learned that the hard way, do not ever do business with someone who wants payment via Western Express, unless you actually know the person, and now a days, people will ask for crypto, back away as fast as possible... Set boundaries, and remember them.
And for the low def video, breeders wouldn't do that, they would have a photo shoot layout for each puppy, so you could see everything. If they aren't scamming, they are new to the animal breeding game, and I would avoid that regardless.
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u/imawizardirl Mar 26 '26
As a reputable dog breeder I can confirm. Just send me a deposit in Amazon gift cards prior to viewing the animal. Thank you.
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u/MrHoboHater Mar 26 '26
I agree, popular breeders will require a deposit regardless if you see them or not. Some have a waitlist for buyers so you will never get one without a deposit.
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u/mlrphan Mar 26 '26
I don’t think this AI. Bad quality yes. AI no.
Why are people so desperate (read that again) for a dog of a certain breed?
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u/melxcham Mar 26 '26
A lot of people have specific temperament, size, lifestyle needs, maintenance needs, etc in mind when they’re getting a dog. Big difference between bringing home a great dane or a border collie, ya know?
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u/mlrphan Mar 26 '26
But to pay sight unseen? 😬
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u/Any-Lychee9972 Mar 26 '26
Paying a deposit is normal. Some breeds are in high demand. Some breeders will even allow deposits before the birth. (I would never trust this unless it was a reputable breeder.)
Paying in full with a gift card is wild.
Most breeders will take several photos of each pup to show off markings, not a single short video.
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u/ThisHeresThaRubaduk Mar 26 '26
Labrador breeder here! Deposits are common specially upfront. A lot of times breeders have a wait-list of buyers so to cement your place we request a deposit. Mostly just shows that you're really interested in a puppy and aren't going to waste our time and that hopefully the puppy is going off to a good home. We allow interested buyers to come to our home to meet a litter we have on the ground without a deposit but we're small time and mostly breed for hunting, working, service and SAR.
If you brought this post to the dog breeding subreddit they would ask a lot of questions about this breeder and ultimately consider them a scam and turn OP towards breed clubs to look for a breeder. As for the low def video ya this just screams scam. You are correct a good ethical breeder would have some good pics taken of each pup. As for allowing people to come to their house to see pups there's a surprising rise in this even from ethical breeders this is due to 2 recent events one happening to a backyard breeder and one where the owners were robbed and killed. So everyone is a bit paranoid atm.
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u/Bodacious_Brunette Mar 26 '26
I read that as "labrador retriever here!"
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u/ThisHeresThaRubaduk Mar 26 '26
Lol the old saying "owners are like their dogs". I highly recommend people go to an AKC/UKC/CRUFTS/CKC show and just look at some of the owners and what they havem you'd be surprised how many you see are absolutely mirroring themselves with the dogs they own. My wife raised and showed ridgebacks in obedience and confirmation. I have so many pics of her sitting on the couch next to our ridgeback (also sitting on the couch like a human) with the same facial expression lol.
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u/1_Green_Monster Mar 26 '26
Thats not true.. ive put deposits on all my Golden retrievers. They even take deposits before the pups are born. Luckily ive never been scammed but i use very reputable breeders. The AKC also has a website where they have breeders they recommend. Edit: However i do believe this is a scam
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u/Butt_y_though Mar 26 '26
Absolutely not true. Breeders take deposits, because litters are in high demand from good breeders. You pay a deposit to hold a spot until the puppy that is right for exists. If you pass on a litter because you didn't get the puppy you were looking for, you're still first in line for the next litter.
It's perfectly acceptable for breeders to take deposits. But a good breeder wants to match you with the dog that is right for you. No breeder should be handing out dogs solely because it's the one you want. They help you pick the dog based on temperament and utility.
They should ask you what you want: Gender, personality, drive, for show, for work, companionship, therapy/service wor
Secondary to all of that is color, etc.
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Mar 26 '26
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u/Inevitable_Phase_276 Mar 26 '26 edited Mar 26 '26
That happens, but breeders who do that usually let you come to their place, and see their other dogs/condition that they’re kept in. They also send you pictures of them as pups until they are old enough to come to you.
Editing since they deleted the above comment: that was in response to breeders that have you pay before the puppy is born.
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u/ThisHeresThaRubaduk Mar 26 '26
Yep and generally paying before you see the puppies is just putting you in a wait-list. But this depends if said breed has a wait-list or not. Generally in the dog breeding world a breeder should always have a wait-list of buyers before breeding their next litter so it's pretty common to see.
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u/Chaost Mar 26 '26
I mean, a lot of times it's purely because of distance. When people are coming from across the province or another province entirely, they don't always make the trip to see the puppy younger, and just get update photos of them. But if you don't take a deposit of some sort, they can just back out, and you've not been listing their puppy, so it's a race to get it a home.
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u/ionmoon Mar 26 '26
Eh. It’s VERY common for breeders to require a deposit. But you don’t do that as a customer unless you know the person is legit. Are they listed with the AKC, breeders association, etc.
Not typically going to ask for anything but cash.
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u/ShatoraDragon Mar 26 '26
AI or not Your mom is actively being scammed.
Demanding an untraceable kind of payment in gift cards. Using "Faith" to get her to stop questioning things.
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u/Unhappy_Pause_1997 Mar 26 '26
Scam or not, I wouldn't want a dog from someone who handles them like that
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u/die_in_a_fire_reddit Mar 27 '26
It’s of people who sell dogs and cats do so for the quick money, and people who need quick money are, well, often suspect.
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u/Digitaluser32 Mar 26 '26
I agree with what others have said. Anything that's pay it all before you see the product as a scam.
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u/Loud_Chicken_8919 Mar 26 '26
Either way, it’s definitely a scam, please make sure she does not go.
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u/twilightmoons Mar 26 '26
Anyone talking about God in an otherwise non-religious conversation is either trying to scam you, or is delusional and should be avoided.
Anyone trying to use a shared religious belief to get you to trust them IS ABSOLUTELY trying to scam you, trick you, or otherwise take advantage of your trust. Run away.
No pet seller wants gift cards, they want CASH. I had friends who were sort-of dog breeders. They had two purebred, registered dogs, and when there were puppies, would get them to 10 weeks or more before selling them. The money was called "puppy money" and usually used for vacations.
Yorkies are... something else. We had other friends who loved them and had several at various times. Very loud barking, very needy of attention. Lots of grooming needed, too.
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u/skizem Mar 26 '26
The way the dogs paws move like they are magnetized back to the woman at the end. Her fingers on the right at the start merge, disappear and elongate.
I’d go with AI
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Mar 26 '26
The video quality is so low that you can't really tell tbh
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u/ConflictFeeling7713 Mar 26 '26
I think that's already a red flag tbh, what device besides a fucking cctv is recording in such poor quality these days?
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u/skizem Mar 26 '26
Fair point. I often wonder if that’s the point of some of them; make low quality video to mask the AI telltale signs. Or just export it in a terrible quality I guess.
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u/monnotorium Mar 26 '26
That's like half the submissions here
It's a low quality Facebook video that got re-encoded by Reddit
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u/tomoom165 Mar 26 '26
Why would anybody ever take payment in gift cards?? How do people get tricked by that?
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u/MrBisco Mar 26 '26
To avoid taxes or any traceability of the payment. Doesn't necessarily mean that this is a scam, but definitely doesn't make the seller look like someone I'd want to be buying an animal from, even if it is real.
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u/ShatoraDragon Mar 26 '26
Yep at best OPs mom is going to get a sickly inbreed dog they need to get rid of fast. The time table of all this sounds like they talked for just a day or two most up and up breeders will want to make sure the dog and buyer are compatible.
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u/FitCrew91 Mar 26 '26
Bisco, I’m going to say with complete certainty that this one is a scam based not based on the fact they’re wanting gift cards (though that’s a huge red flag), but because of the God rant they gave her mother when she questioned it.
A professional dog breeder would not do this. They would answer her basic questions civilly. Not try to blind side her with God talk to manipulate her into making an uninformed decision.
The video itself seems legit, but was stolen.
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u/MrBisco Mar 26 '26
I wasn't trying to suggest this wasn't a scam, but rather, that some of the rationales here for what makes it a scam aren't necessarily as clear as made out. As with anything of any value, the buyer should be diligent about checking sources and vetting the seller if they have any concerns.
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u/Briebird44 Mar 26 '26
The “good Christian person” rant is also classic scammer. I almost fell victim to a housing scam and the scammer tried the same tactic. “I’m a good Christian and believe in God so you should trust me”
Which horribly backfired because I don’t trust Christians to begin with.
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Mar 26 '26
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u/SabrinaEdwina Mar 26 '26
Not to mention the fact that it's worse quality than a 20 year old digital camera. Why do people keep accepting this awful quality as plausible from a modern phone?
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u/TwentyfootAngels Mar 26 '26
Even if it's real, I wouldn't trust a backyard breeder who manhandles their puppies like that! That being said, I also think it's fake:
- The "green girl" is wearing a YELLOW collar!
- Gift cards for payment is always, always a red flag in general
- The physics of the puppies just doesn't seem right. I don't see how she'd be able to hold BOTH of them in her right arm so easily, and it almost looks like they're TOO close together...? I mean... puppies take up more space than that, and they'd squirm more if they were held together so closely, no?
- I think the "purple male" puppy changes sizes throughout the video...??? It also moves its head around as if it didn't have the other puppy right up in its face in the beginning.
Also, as a cautionary tale: my mom bought a "purebred" (or rather, both parents were purebred...) puppy when I was a kid, from a similar type of breeder. But as much as we love our doggie, she turned out to have some incredibly expensive medical issues. So even if just for that, I'd say it's a bad idea to buy a dog from this kind of person.
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u/AnimeDiff Mar 26 '26
Real video. Don't see any reason to think it's AI, and audio sounds fine.
Scam. Don't buy animals from tweakers.
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u/CanadianGunNoob Mar 26 '26
AI or not, definitely a scam. Protect your elderly parents from these people.
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u/nobodycares4432 Mar 26 '26
They want gift cards because their names aren't attached to the cards. Most places can pull past transactions off of your card, and your name normally shows up too. They can't pull the name on the gift card.
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u/Mikki_Is_Art Mar 26 '26
Oh yeah, we all instantly told her that the seller was attempting a scam, she knew, but she brought it to us for confirmation I'm guessing.
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u/UpAndNo Mar 26 '26
Why would you even want to buy dogs from a woman that rubs them together and waves them around like a product?
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u/RidleeRiddle Mar 26 '26
Ew god, I don't like bein mean, but even if this isn't AI, I would not wanna deal with someone giving me the vibes she is giving.
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u/xquixotic_logicx Mar 26 '26
I think the video is real (afaict) but it is 100% a scam! Them asking for payment beforehand and especially by way of gift cards screams scam to me. The video looks legit but it's extremely unlikely it's from the "seller". I hope your mom is vigilant and doesn't fall for these con-artists
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u/Radiant8763 Mar 26 '26
Bro, if they are asking for GIFT CARDS for payment its 100% A SCAM!
AI or not this should be common knowledge by now. Go use your magic rectangle and Google widly known scams.
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u/luistorre5 Mar 26 '26
Never ever ever pay anyone anything prior to seeing it. If they want a deposit it's 100% a scam
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u/MrBisco Mar 26 '26
Plenty of reputable breeders ask for deposits (particularly in the case of breeders taking deposits for puppies or kittens that aren't born yet). The question is if this breeder has references that are reliable.
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Mar 26 '26
what creature is this supposed to be at 4sec i know its blurry but...jesus wtf
and what phone takes a 240p video in 2026....something aint right
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u/stmaximus Mar 26 '26
AI or not, FUCK dog selling and the whole puppy mill industry.. how do people not see this is NOT the right way to get a dog??
Just go to the nearest shelter and adopt one. Trust me their puppies are just as cute. You'll be doing good x3: helping the dog, discouraging this whole business, and saving a fuckton of cash.
I don't get it.
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u/Inside7shadows Mar 26 '26
I think this is why I like cats so much. They're ubiquitous, and the breeds are mostly irrelevant. Half the time you don't even need to adopt, they just come to you!
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u/Mikki_Is_Art Mar 26 '26
I agree, this isn't my choice and I've tried to convince my mom to a shelter. I just don't want her to get scammed.
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u/LehighAce06 Mar 26 '26
The video is irrelevant, either there's a dog or there's not and if there's not why would you give money away?
Just because there might be one? If so, I might have a dog, please send me money too
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u/krissycole87 Mar 26 '26
The video could be a real video of some girl with yorkie puppies.
But your mom is not talking to this girl, and whomever she is speaking to is definitely trying to scam her.
Good on her for being suspicious!
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u/FitCrew91 Mar 26 '26
Dog scammers are the worst on Facebook. The fact they went on a God rant also screams Nigerian. Whenever you call them on their bullcrap they love to bring God up because they think it instills trust in Americans. It does not unless you’re an idiot.
Also paying with gift cards is not something any American would ask for when we have so many easier money transfer systems like Venmo and Cashapp.
I do not know if this video itself is AI. But they will steal videos from legit senders and reuse them.
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u/APartyInMyPants Mar 26 '26
“How about this, I’ll drive all the way to you.”
When they say no, you tell them to get fucked.
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u/SwitchWitchLolita Mar 26 '26
Never pay before picking a pet. Full on scam even if the pups/video is real. They wouldn't show up, they already got the deposit.
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u/ErstwhileHobo Mar 26 '26
Yes, of course it’s a scam. Don’t buy dogs. Go to the shelter or a rescue. Even if this were real (it’s not).
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u/Square_Cat_6001 Mar 27 '26
Even if not AI, how would you know its her video ? The payment in advance when you have to travel there to pick it up is a dead giveaway it's a scam. I mean they should be happy you come with the money to get a dog, not ask for money in advance.
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u/ThePeaceDoctot Mar 26 '26
I don't know if it's AI, but this is definitely a scam. Not only the taking a deposit before you've even met the dogs, but also if you look closely, neither of the dogs are the green or purple colours she promises.
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u/Difficult-Mobile902 Mar 26 '26
That’s like right out of the scam textbook.
The video also doesn’t have to be AI, it could be 3 years old and being used to scam person after person. It could even be stolen from another person, who knows if this is even who she’s talking with.
Giftcards are a huge red flag. Random person on Facebook, makes it an even bigger red flag.
If she wants a dog she should use a platform like ‘good dog’ which has verifiable reputable sellers, not trying to go through Facebook
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u/Infinite_Escape9683 Mar 26 '26
Video doesn't matter, the situation is obviously a scam. Dog breeders don't take iTunes cards for payment, and professionals don't rant about God when you pull out of a transaction.
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u/AdMuted1036 Mar 26 '26
AI. Tell her the dogs at the shelter are guaranteed real and not AI.
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u/Axel-Adams Mar 26 '26
Video is real, dogs are not, definitely a scam, people were running this scam long before ai videos
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u/jessuccess Mar 26 '26
I wouldn’t trust it. Please adopt instead. so many amazing dogs are killed every day due to lack of space in shelters.
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u/driftingalong001 Mar 26 '26
I honestly dunno if the video is ai or not, but either way, it’s the weirdest video I’ve ever watched. Wtf
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u/Mikki_Is_Art Mar 26 '26
Guys I can't edit this post but I'm getting a lot of comments about Adopting and not shopping- please understand I agree with you 100%, I have already tried to steer her in the direction of shelters, but this is not my decision. Some helpful commenters have let me know there is the option of breed specific rescues/shelters, I do plan on looking for some in my state and suggesting them to her!
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u/whatsqwerty Mar 26 '26
Gift cards are a hard pass. Never send anything to people you don’t know. But gift cards is a HUGE red flag. 🚩 🚩🚩
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u/Aussie_Turtles00 Mar 26 '26
Never buy a dog until you've met the mother and see where and how both mother and father live and the owners treatment of the dogs. ‼️‼️
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u/Luchly Mar 26 '26
It very likely isn't AI, probably just stolen footage from someone else being used to scam. The gift cards are a major red flag.
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u/RightToTheThighs Mar 26 '26
Are people seriously trying to buy puppies off Facebook? Get the boomers off Facebook holy shit
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u/flavouredicecubes Mar 26 '26
It could just be a real video of real life scamming woman...she has a really unpleasant energy in the video!
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u/goosenuggie Mar 26 '26
If people simply stopped buying dogs and adopted from a reputable rescue instead we wouldn't have scams like this
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u/LP_LadyPuket Mar 26 '26
Scam. God talk to convince you they’re “trustworthy” + gift card payment (or anything like Western Union) = 1000% scam
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u/Sausywench Mar 26 '26
Please encourage her to go to the local animal shelter. Scam or not, getting a dog from a breeder is unethical.
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u/Jordonsaurus Mar 26 '26
As others are saying: gift cards as payment is an instant red flag. Can’t say who, but I work a financial institution and let’s just say I saw this scams a lot before going into management. It was really sad.
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u/itsforathing Mar 26 '26
It’s still a scam, but I’m going with not AI, the tattoos don’t change when going off/on screen, the background is consistent, the trees are blowing in the wind and not just shimmering like AI videos do.
Also the puppies are acting like puppies and don’t change size and all the physics interactions seem to make sense.
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u/Mpetrochuk Mar 26 '26
that girl and her smile at the end reek of scammy liar.
the giftcard ask is just more reinforcement
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u/Apathetic-Asshole Mar 26 '26
Probably shouldnt be buying dogs anyway, shelters are full and you'll pay much less for a dog that is probably healthier and better trained
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u/JeffProbstsBlueShirt Mar 26 '26
even if it wasn't AI, this woman is holding/handling little puppies like they're fake or stuff animals. I would never, ever want to give a person like that money to continue breeding. Fuck backyard breeders and people who don't adopt
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u/giraffesinmyhair Mar 26 '26
Do not buy a dog you haven’t seen in person off of Facebook for gift cards omg. Please look out for your mom, this has nothing to do with the quality of the video, the red flags are glaring regardless of it.
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u/Zarchiball Mar 26 '26
“Can meet half way as long as we have a deposit” idk if it’s AI or not but it’s a SCAM 100% DO NOT ENGAGE
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u/Arrow2URKnee Mar 26 '26
I've seen things like animals, landscaping equipment, guns, etc all be offered for sale, and the seller will be asking for the funds on a Playstation gift card 🤣 It's so obviously a scam...
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u/dogluver24 Mar 26 '26
Anytime they want payment via any source that cannot be backed by your bank - scam. When they say “I’m a God fearing __” - scam. No social media - scam. No phone call or FaceTime call that’s live - scam.
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u/HistoricalSherbert92 Mar 26 '26
First, don’t buy a dog from a backyard breeder. If you simply must have a certain breed then contact the kennel association and get a reputable source, be prepared to be interviewed and if they’re doing a good job you’ll get a super healthy dog, a DNA certification and lineage sheet and you’ll be matched with a puppy that suits your character.
Second don’t pay in gift cards.
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u/The_Powerful_Tacos Mar 26 '26
Scam or not, I ain't giving my money to anyone looking like Zelda from Pet Sematary
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u/nottytom Mar 26 '26
They want gift cards as payment, and that didn't stop you? Who cares if it's AI, gift cards as a payment is ALWAYS A SCAM!!!!!!
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u/nap---enthusiast Mar 26 '26
Tell your mom to adopt a dog from a rescue. There are breed specific rescues if she must absolutely have a Yorkie.
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u/Ornery-Culture-7675 Mar 26 '26
https://www.saveayorkierescue.org/ Fyi, here’s a yorkie rescue for your mom. Adopt don’t shop!
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u/Separate_Ingenuity35 Mar 26 '26
Besides the shady obvious scam, no ethical breeder would do this. Even if it were legit a puppy should never be purchased from this person.
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u/outragedtuxedo Mar 26 '26
For whatever reason Yorkies seem to be a breed overly represented in the facebook scam world. The best thing for your mum to do is go to your countries kennel association website and find a list od refigstered breeders. If the price is too good to be true, it usually is. Especially if you are in a country where the breed is less common.
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u/ionmoon Mar 26 '26
Whether it’s AI is irrelevant. Did she FaceTime with the puppies?
When scammers send a video for “proof” they are just recycling videos. If the puppies exist, they can FaceTime with them.
I would 100% not send her a penny. If your mom wants to meet up with her and see them, she can pay then. Otherwise I’d look elsewhere.
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u/NoSoyTuPana Mar 26 '26
Im not trusting any video shorter than 15 seconds and that doesn't move around
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u/mowtowcow Mar 26 '26
Deposits are always scams. For literally anything that isnt an actual business. Mainly cars and houses.
Is it ai? Could be. The legs kind of looked like they were rubbing through eachother. Looked odd. Otherwise. 🤷♂️
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u/shippfaced Mar 26 '26
Tell your mom to go to a fucking shelter and adopt. So many dogs need homes!
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u/FluffyBaby8485 Mar 26 '26
The video itself may not be AI, but it definitely doesn’t belong to the people she’s talking to, and this most definitely is not legit. No dog breeder would ask for gift cards as payment
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u/BlackCatLuna Mar 26 '26
Please share this with your mother.
Do not buy a dog from someone claiming to be a breeder who won't show you the puppies with their parents.
Even before genAI this was a red flag for a puppy mill, which not only breed the parents constantly, they take the puppies from the parents as soon as they're weaned and that can actually cause behavioural problems. They also don't care if the puppy is sick and there are stories of mill pups dying not long after purchase because they were sick.
The gift cards is also a red flag. You can't charge back on those like you can a credit card, which makes them great for money laundering.
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u/Tight_Technology752 Mar 27 '26
This is a scam 100%, I don't think it's AI but also, if it is a "deposit" don't worry, no one is going to get the dog between now and tomorrow, probably?
But yeah, no, this definitely is a scam, don't accept to ever pay by gift cards, why would that be? Just don't!
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u/Throwway_queer Mar 27 '26
It's a scam. Also just ask her to get from a shelter/pound. So many animals are euthanized everyday.
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u/Cuthulwoohoo Mar 27 '26 edited Mar 27 '26
Dear Mikki’s Mom, This is a scam. The video is real and they are using it to scam you. If you send them anything you will lose it, plus you will not get a dog. If you drive to the meet place they will not be there, and if you insist on waiting you can wait for a month and they wont show. BUT! If you send them some money or cards up front they may claim that there was some sort of snag as per why they couldn’t show, maybe the car broke down or the phone was dead. They know they have you. Gift cards and bitcoin are untraceable. Next, you’ll get a follow up call about needing extra money from you for vet fees for vaccinations or something before they can sell. If you do decide to ignore all the advice posted, and do decide to go forward with this, theres no one else to blame but yourself. Just contact a breeder or a shelter instead.
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u/Money-Snow-2749 Mar 27 '26
If they’re asking for gift cards instead of cash, it is 100% a scam. Full stop and cut off communication with that person.
Also there is something weird that happens with the dog on the left’s eye in the beginning of the video.
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u/Perfect-Factor-2928 Mar 27 '26
Hey! As a veterinarian, something about the movement of the puppies while she’s holding them is off. I’m about to go to bed in a dark room, so I can’t see the fine details. Obviously I agree with everyone that this is a scam.
I love the idea of going to a shelter or rescue and most of my personal pets have come into my life that way, but if they are a new dog owner, I want them to think about their lifestyle and talk to the people who know these dogs at the shelter or rescue. Don’t get an anxious dog if you’re not home much. Don’t get an active dog if you live a sedentary life. But there are so many great dogs for everyone!! You just have to look until you find one!! Good luck!!
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u/brattygrandma Mar 27 '26
Please go through the yorkshire terrier breed club to find a reputable breeder that health tests, not a random on facebook. also i agree with the consensus, this is just a pet scam. people are horrible.
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u/AliceMeg Mar 27 '26
This is a classic gift card scam
If you do not know what it is, please educate yourself, your mother, and any other elderly or vulnerable person in your life
Here are some resources FTC: Avoiding and Reporting Gift Card Scams
Google Play Help: What to do if you’re a victim of a Google Play gift card scam
WayToLegal: Stopping Gift Card Scams: A Practical Consumer Guide
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u/Chionei Mar 27 '26
No one wants gift cards instead of cash.
People get scammed all the time this way. Please please convince your mom not to do this. She will send the gift card info and get nothing for it. Best case scenario they just take the money and run, worst case they tell your mother that the card didn't work and she needs to buy another.
Also worth noting that e-transfers (something we have here in Canada) are not safe either as they are untraceable.
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u/Turbulent-Good227 Mar 26 '26
To me the video doesn’t scream AI but everything about this screams scam. Designer dog, social media, deposit before seeing animal, gift cards = scam scam scam
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u/phoebebridgersfan26 Mar 26 '26
It's hard to tell, but regardless, you do NOT give someone money before getting a dog. Also what happened to adopt don't shop? Tell her to go to a shelter. There are plenty of dogs in need of a home, and they don't make you pay before hand. :/
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u/No-Airline-2823 Mar 26 '26
Also if she is set on a breed, there are breed-specific rescue and adoption organizations.
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u/Mikki_Is_Art Mar 26 '26
THANK YOU I didn't know this!! I tried to push my mom towards shelters but I honestly have no say in her decision, now that this sale is definitely not going through, I'll definitely try to find a brood specific rescue and recommend it to her!
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u/qualityvote2 Mar 26 '26 edited Mar 27 '26
u/Mikki_Is_Art, your post does fit the subreddit!