The Takeaway
- Scammers are shifting from puppy ads to fake Maine Coon kitten listings.
- “Ohio Maine Coons” sites and Facebook pages are popping up, using stolen photos.
- Victims are pressured to pay with gift cards, Zelle, or Cash App.
- Real Maine Coon kittens usually cost $1,000+; bargain prices are a warning sign.
- Always ask for proof: live video calls, breeder credentials, and safe payment methods.
If you’ve been online in the last decade, you’ve probably seen stories about puppy scams. A family falls in love with a picture-perfect puppy online, wires hundreds of dollars to secure it, and then… nothing. No puppy ever arrives.
These scams exploded during the pandemic when demand for pets skyrocketed. According to the Better Business Bureau, thousands of would-be pet owners were duped. Now, fraudsters have found a fresh angle: cats. Specifically, Maine Coons.
From Puppies to “Ohio Maine Coons”
Recent news reports say the scam has spread to listings for “Ohio Maine Coons.” The ads show fluffy kittens for $400–$600—well below the $1,000–$2,000 you’d expect from a legitimate breeder. Need proof? Watch this from WCPO-TV.
Once you show interest, the “breeder” insists on payment through untraceable means—CVS or Walmart gift cards, Zelle, Cash App, even Apple Pay. One Ohio woman was about to send $500 until she realized the seller wouldn’t accept a normal payment method. She backed out just in time.
On Reddit, Maine Coon lovers have also flagged suspicious sites, noting that the so-called breeder photos were stolen from unrelated news articles. As one commenter put it: “100% scam.”
How the Scam Works
It’s a classic advance-fee fraud dressed up in cat fur:
- Fake websites or Facebook pages with stolen kitten photos.
- Too-good-to-be-true prices to lure in buyers.
- Pressure tactics—“others are waiting” or “must ship today.”
- Requests for gift cards or money transfers that can’t be traced.
- Phony add-on fees for shipping crates, insurance, or “climate-controlled” transport.
And one things about those photos: they can be pretty darn convincing. “It’s very easy to kind of create a website and use photos and fall in love with this ball of fluff that then you need to bring home,” cautions Jennie Lintz of the ASPCA, told wcpo.com, urging shoppers to be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true pet ads.
Once the money is sent, the scammer vanishes. No kittens. No refunds.
Spotting the Red Flags
If you’re considering a Maine Coon—or any purebred pet—here are the signs to watch:
- Price way below market. Real Maine Coons typically cost $1,000 or more.
- Untraceable payments. Reputable breeders accept checks, PayPal, or credit cards—not gift cards.
- No video proof. If they won’t hop on FaceTime to show you the kitten, walk away.
- Stolen photos. Do a reverse image search to see if the same picture appears on multiple sites.
- Vague details. No full name, no address, no registration with CFA or TICA? That’s a problem.
Safer Alternatives
If you’re looking to adopt:
- Start with local shelters or rescues—many have Maine Coons or Maine Coon mixes.
- Verify breeders through The International Cat Association (TICA) or the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA).
- Always see the pet in person or, at minimum, via live video before sending money.
- Pay with a credit card for the best fraud protection.
The Bottom Line
Puppy scams are bad enough, but now scammers are exploiting cat lovers with “Ohio Maine Coon” listings that are nothing more than bait-and-switch heartbreak. If the price is too good to be true—or if the seller demands gift cards—it’s a scam.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional financial, legal, or consumer protection advice.
