Puppy is free all you pay is shipping.

TIP: If sending on the airlines...Ask them for the confirmation # of the flight. Then call that airline and see if it's actually booked and that the booking info is correct. 

Payment that is Western Union,money transfer,gift cards or any payment that is not traceable.

Tip: PayPal, credit cards, cashiers check all have protections built in and are investigated by the authorities.

Won't talk to you on the phone in person. 

Only texts. Poor grammar, incomplete sentence structure.

Tip: Make them have a conversation with you or facetime them. If they make excuses then something is wrong. 

Stock photos. 

TIP: Have them write your name on a piece of paper and hold it next to the puppy when they send you pics.

DON'T USE GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Not only is this hard on a puppy to be on a truck for days, they also can come into contact with other animals possibly having diseases. 

Tip: Most scams who offer ground transportation ask for money up front. Only pay after the dog has been delivered if you have to use this form of delivery.

They will only except cash as a form of payment. They will tell you that they will meet you in a public place. They will change there mind at the last minute and try to meet you in an empty parking lot. They are going to rob you!! 

Tip: The buyer should choose the location to meet and stick to that location. Come early and check out the location ahead of  time to watch for suspicious people. Meet at a police station or at your veterinary clinic.