Articles & resources for maine coon enthusiasts

Are you dreaming of adding a Maine Coon kitten to your family? These majestic cats are known for their size, friendly nature, and beautiful coats. However, the rise in popularity of Maine Coons has unfortunately led to an increase in internet scammers preying on prospective buyers. To help you avoid falling victim to these scams, we’ve compiled a list of essential tips and real-life examples to keep you safe on your kitten-buying journey.

Key Tips to Avoid Internet Scammers

1. Beware of Prices That Are Too Good to Be True

Legitimate breeders invest significant money in acquiring healthy Maine Coon cats with breeding rights, health testing, veterinary care, and a nutrient-rich diet. Consequently, reputable breeders’ prices are typically higher to cover these costs. If someone is offering a Maine Coon kitten well below the average price in your area, it’s likely a scam. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Never Purchase a Kitten Sight Unseen

No matter how far away the breeder lives, today’s technology makes it easy to video chat live. This lets you see the kitten you’re interested in and take a virtual tour of the cattery. Anyone who insists that pictures or recorded videos suffice is likely scamming you. Legitimate breeders are more than happy to chat live with prospective owners because they are just as curious about you as you are about them.

3. Pay Attention to the Words and Details Used

Scammers often have multiple schemes targeting buyers of various breeds and even species. In the cat world, for instance, we have catteries, not kennels. We register with TICA or CFA, not the AKC. Our kittens are vaccinated with FVRCP, and they go home no earlier than 12 weeks old. Many scammers give themselves away by using incorrect terminology or missing important details. Be vigilant and knowledgeable about these specifics.

4. Know the Accepted Payment Methods

Legitimate breeders accept payments via Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, or credit card. They do not ask you to send money via Western Union or buy Apple gift cards from Walmart. Also, legitimate breeders never pressure you to make a security deposit immediately. The demand for Maine Coon kittens is so high that breeders never need to chase buyers.

Real-Life Case Studies

Recently, we discovered that someone had been stealing photos from our Facebook and Instagram pages for more than two years to create a fake Facebook account using our name. They nurtured this fake account, making it look increasingly legitimate over time. Finally, they started reaching out via Facebook Messenger to people who followed our real page, asking about the gender of kitten they were interested in and where they lived. Thankfully, many of our customers recognized this as a scam and alerted us. We reported the page, and it was eventually shut down. Unfortunately, this is a very common scam in the breeder community.

Additionally, we’ve helped many individuals adopt the Maine Coon kitten of their dreams only after they lost hundreds or thousands of dollars to internet scammers. Many of these victims were lured in by sophisticated websites that looked legitimate, sent fake paperwork, and even provided fake airline reservation confirmations.

Conclusion

Buying a Maine Coon kitten should be an exciting and joyous experience, not one marred by scams. By following these tips and staying informed, you can avoid falling victim to internet scammers. Always remember to be cautious, do your research, and never rush into a purchase that seems too good to be true.

If you’re ready to add a Maine Coon kitten to your family, consider booking a call with a trusted breeder, perhaps even one you meet at a cat show. We’re here to help you find the perfect kitten and ensure a smooth, scam-free experience.

Happy kitten hunting!