How to Spot a Scammer Posing as a Maine Coon Breeder
If you’re searching for a Maine Coon kitten, you’re not alone—these majestic cats are incredibly popular. Unfortunately, scammers know this too. Fake Maine Coon breeders are on the rise, and they often create very convincing websites or social media ads.
Here’s how to protect yourself and your family when looking for a Maine Coon kitten for sale.
1. Ask for Real-Time Proof of the Kitten
One of the easiest ways to spot a scam is to ask the seller for a custom photo or video of the kitten.
Ask for a photo of the Maine Coon kitten with today’s newspaper or a handwritten note with your name.
Request a short video or a live video call (FaceTime, Zoom, etc.).
Scammers usually steal photos from real breeders and can’t provide custom content. If they give excuses or avoid video calls, that’s a major red flag.
2. Beware of Cheap Maine Coon Kittens
If a Maine Coon kitten is priced far below average, it’s likely too good to be true.
Reputable breeders invest a lot in the health, care, and socialization of their kittens.
Steep discounts, “buy one get one” deals, or “urgent rehoming” messages are common scam tactics.
Remember, a healthy purebred Maine Coon kitten typically isn’t cheap.
3. Use Safe, Traceable Payment Methods
Never send money through risky methods like:
PayPal “Friends and Family”
Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App
Western Union or MoneyGram
Gift cards
These offer no protection if you’re scammed. Instead, use secure, traceable payment methods such as PayPal Goods & Services, or whatever method your trusted breeder recommends.
4. Reverse Image Search the Kitten Photos
Scammers often steal photos from real Maine Coon catteries. Use a free reverse image search tool like:
If the same photo appears on multiple breeder websites or across unrelated listings, it’s a sign the kitten might not exist.
5. Read the Website Carefully
Many scam websites use copied text from real Maine Coon breeders, or they contain awkward language and poor grammar.
Watch out for:
Generic or mismatched content
Bad spelling, broken English
Testimonials or policies that don’t align with the site’s tone
You can also paste a section of their text into Google or Copyscape to check for duplicates.
6. Check the Website’s Domain and Contact Info
Use a WHOIS lookup tool (like Whois Lookup) to check where the site is registered and when it was created.
🚩 Red flags include:
A recently registered domain
Contact info from a different country than advertised
No phone number or vague location information
Some scammers also use U.S. phone numbers through call forwarding, so dig a little deeper if things feel off.
7. Look for Breeder Reputation and Reviews
A legitimate Maine Coon breeder will often have:
A strong presence on social media or cat breeder directories
References or reviews from past adopters
A transparent history of litters, kitten photos, and health guarantees
Still unsure? Ask a reputable breeder for their thoughts on a seller you’re considering. Many of us are happy to help others avoid heartbreak.
Final Thoughts
Maine Coons are special cats—gentle giants with affectionate, dog-like personalities. That makes them a target for scammers, but with a little due diligence, you can avoid being taken advantage of.
If you’re unsure about a breeder or listing, reach out. We’d rather help you feel confident than see someone get scammed.
Looking for a Reputable Maine Coon Breeder?
We’re proud to raise our kittens with love, integrity, and transparency. Check out our available kittens or learn more about how we breed for health, temperament, and type.
👉 View Our Maine Coon Kittens for Sale
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