Maine Coon scams are widespread, well-organized, and designed to look legitimate. Buyers lose hundreds to thousands of dollars every month to fake breeders operating through polished websites, stolen photos, and high-pressure tactics. Knowing the patterns before you start searching is the most effective protection.

The most common scam structure

The typical Maine Coon scam follows a predictable pattern. A website or social media profile displays professional-looking photos of kittens — usually stolen from real breeders — at prices that seem slightly below market. The seller responds quickly, is warm and enthusiastic, and claims kittens are available immediately. When you express interest, they ask for a deposit or full payment via wire transfer, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or cryptocurrency. Once payment is sent, the kitten never arrives and the seller disappears.

Some scams add a second layer: after the initial payment, the buyer receives a message claiming the kitten is at the airport but requires an additional fee for a special crate, insurance, or customs clearance. This cycle can repeat multiple times before the buyer realizes there is no kitten.

Red flags to watch for

Shipping-only availability. A legitimate breeder will allow — and typically require — a video call or in-person visit before placement. A seller who refuses any video contact and insists on shipping only is a major warning sign.

Prices that seem too good. Healthy, tested Maine Coon kittens from reputable breeders cost between $2,500 and $5,000 or more depending on lineage and traits. A kitten offered at $800 or $1,200 is almost certainly a scam or a kitten mill.

Payment methods with no recourse. Wire transfers, Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, and cryptocurrency cannot be reversed. Legitimate breeders accept payment methods that provide some buyer protection, or at minimum are willing to discuss payment options.

Stolen photos. Reverse image search every photo using Google Images or TinEye. Scam sites routinely use photos taken from real breeders, cat shows, or stock photo sites. If the same image appears on multiple unrelated websites, it is stolen.

No verifiable registration. Reputable breeders register with TICA, CFA, or another recognized registry. Ask for the cattery registration name and verify it directly on the registry's website. A breeder who cannot provide this or whose name does not appear in the registry is unverified.

Urgency and pressure. Scammers create artificial urgency — "three other families are interested," "this kitten will be gone by tomorrow," "I need a deposit today to hold her." Legitimate breeders do not pressure buyers.

No health testing documentation. Real breeders test for HCM, SMA, PKD, and often hip dysplasia. They can provide documentation. A seller who cannot or will not provide health test results for the parents is not running a responsible program.

How to verify a real breeder

Request a live video call showing the kitten and the cattery environment. Ask to see the parents. Request documentation: TICA registration, health test results, vaccination records, and a sample contract. Search the cattery name and the breeder's name independently. Look for reviews, social media history, and any complaints.

A real breeder will welcome these questions. They have nothing to hide and understand that a careful buyer is a good buyer.

What to do if you have been scammed

Report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, and to your state attorney general's consumer protection office. If payment was made by credit card, contact your card issuer immediately to dispute the charge. Wire transfers and peer-to-peer payment apps offer little recourse, but reporting is still important for tracking patterns and protecting others.

Frequently asked questions

Are all breeders who ship kittens scammers?

No. Legitimate breeders do ship kittens, including Dashing Coons. The difference is that a real breeder will video call with you, provide documentation, have a verifiable history, and does not require untraceable payment. Shipping alone is not a red flag — refusing any video contact and demanding wire transfer is.

Can a scam website look professional?

Yes. Many scam sites are well-designed with stolen photos, fabricated testimonials, and fake TICA logos. A professional-looking website is not verification of legitimacy. Always verify through the registry directly.

What is a fair deposit amount?

Reputable breeders typically charge $200 to $1,000 as a deposit, applied toward the total price. Dashing Coons charges a $1,000 non-refundable deposit. Be cautious of any seller asking for full payment upfront before you have had a video call and reviewed a contract.

A practical next step

Before contacting any breeder, run their photos through a reverse image search and verify their cattery name on the TICA website. Read our guide to finding a reputable breeder, or reach out to Dashing Coons directly — we are a TICA-registered cattery based in Ballwin, Missouri, and we welcome video calls and cattery visits.