I’m keen to warn my constituents of a surge in pet-related scams according to Santander’s latest Scamtracker results.
Their data shows a 400% increase in the amounts stolen by criminals posing as legitimate pet sellers, throwing an important spotlight on this growing financial crime as well as serious concern for animal welfare.
The Santander Quarterly Scamtracker analyses trends in Authorised Push Payment (APP) scam types reported each quarter, highlights the customers most affected, and identifies emerging threats. These insights provide a robust evidence base to support more coordinated efforts to combat pet fraud.
The results for January to March 2026 show an alarming increase in the amounts stolen from customers who believed they were purchasing a pet. Nearly £160,000 was stolen from customers responding to listings on social media and online selling platforms offering pets for sale, compared to £29,735 reported in Q4 2025. When looking more closely at the pet scams recorded, the bank’s data shows that women, and customers aged 46+ were most likely to be targeted.
Common tactics used by scammers included asking for money up front as a deposit, requesting funds to cover travel to deliver the pet, or money to cover vet bills and immunisations. Claims received by the bank concerned a range of animals, from desirable breeds of dogs and cats through to parrots, reptiles, fish and horses.
In total, more than £3.4 million was stolen via purchase scams in Q1 2026.
Santander’s Scamtracker results make for alarming reading, and I want to alert my constituents to the risks of purchasing a pet online given the threat to their financial situation and also these poor animals welfare.
The Bank has shared tips to help avoid being scammed such as being wary of adverts on social media which is the most commonly used place for criminals to advertise fake pets; to ensure you do adequate background checks on the seller and pet such as doing a reverse image search to see if the animal has been listed elsewhere; to ask to see the animal in person before making any commitments and to always be cautious of upfront payments, or being asked to pay large deposits or vets bills.
If you are planning on getting a pet you are better to go to a reputable breeder or to adopt one of the many animals desperate for a second chance in our cat and dog homes across the country. Of course, online platforms should also be stepping up to the challenge by prohibiting sellers using their sites to try and sell animals in the first place. In the meantime, following Santander’s practical advice is a goodstarting point to stop scammers taking advantage of people and animals.
