Scam Awareness

Scam Awareness

Scam Awareness & Safe Buying Guide

At Cats.ie, your safety — and the welfare of cats — is our top priority.
While most people on our platform are genuine cat lovers, a small number of scammers try to
take advantage of others online.
Knowing how to recognise and avoid scams keeps both you and the cats safe.

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The Golden Rule: Always See the Cat in Person

Legitimate sellers, breeders, or rescues will always allow you to:

  • Visit their premises or home
  • Meet the cat or kittens in person
  • See the mother cat if possible

🚫 Never agree to pay or reserve a cat you haven’t seen.

Even if someone seems friendly online — insist on an in-person meeting before sending any
money.

Common Scam Tactics

Scam Type What It Looks Like What To Do
Deposit Scam
“Pay a small deposit to secure your kitten” — then they vanish.
Never pay deposits before viewing.
Delivery Scam
“We’ll deliver the cat; you don’t need to visit.”
Always meet in person. Cats are not couriered.
Fake Photos / Cloned Ads
Photos or text copied from other sites.
Reverse-search images or contact Cats.ie support.
Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices
Pedigree kittens at unrealistically low prices.
Research normal breed prices first.
Urgency Pressure
“Act fast, many are interested!”
Genuine sellers won’t rush you.
Payment via Gift Cards / Transfer
Asked to pay by voucher or money transfer.
Only use secure payment after viewing.

Scammers thrive on urgency and emotion. Slow down, ask questions, and verify.

Reporting a Suspicious Ad or User

If you suspect a scam:

  1. Click “Report Listing” on the ad page.
  2. Choose a reason (e.g., Scam / Misleading / Welfare concern).
  3. Add a short note if needed.
  4. Our moderation team will investigate within 24–48 hours.

Or email support@cats.ie directly — please include:

  • Ad title or link
  • Username (if visible)

Why it seems suspicious
We take every report seriously and work to remove unsafe listings immediately.

How to Verify a Genuine Advertiser?

Before you contact or buy, check for:

  • ✅ Verified Account Badge on Cats.ie
  • 📍 Real location (county and town listed)
  • 📸 Consistent, original photos
  • 🧾 Willingness to show health/vet documents
  • 🐱 Open communication — genuine users answer questions happily.

If anything feels “off,” stop and report it before proceeding.

How Cats.ie Keeps You Safe?

Cats.ie moderation follows a 3-step safety process:

  1. Ad Review: Every first-time listing is checked manually.
  2. Verification: Email and SMS verification required for all accounts.
  3. Automatic Fraud Detection: Filters detect duplicate images, repeated text, and
    IP overlaps.

Repeat offenders are banned permanently, and data may be shared with authorities if fraud or animal welfare breaches are detected.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed?

If you believe you’ve been defrauded:

  1. Stop communication with the suspected scammer immediately.
  2. Gather evidence (messages, emails, screenshots, payment details).
  3. Report to:
    • Gardaí (for criminal investigation)
    • National Consumer Agency (for consumer fraud)
    • Cats.ie Support (so we can block their account)

👉 Email: support@cats.ie (subject: “Report Scam”)
Even if you only suspect something, please report it — your action can protect others.

Legitimate Breeders & Rescues

Cats.ie only supports responsible, transparent breeders and rescues.
You can confirm legitimacy by checking:

  • Breeder’s registration number (if applicable)
  • Rescue’s charity registration number
  • Real contact information
  • Verified Cats.ie profile

See: → Animal Welfare & Advertising Rules 

Extra Safety Tips

✅ Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, it probably is.
✅ Be cautious with ads that:

  • Use poor grammar or generic replies
  • Avoid calls or video chats
  • Refuse to share vet or ID details

✅ Never agree to meet outside a safe, public setting.
✅ Avoid “free to good home” ads — they often attract scammers or unethical buyers

Remember — Cats.ie Is Here to Help

We moderate every ad, but online safety is always a shared effort.
Your reports help us maintain a safe, trusted space for all cat lovers in Ireland.
If you’re unsure, just ask — we’re happy to check any listing for you.

📧 support@cats.ie

“See it. Check it. Trust it — before you buy or adopt.”