The internet is filled with adorable ads promising the latest tech toys and robotic companions, but not all of them are as harmless—or real—as they seem. One particularly deceptive scheme making the rounds is the "My Realistic Robot Puppy" scam, which has lured in countless consumers with cute videos, heartwarming stories, and false promises.
What Is the "My Realistic Robot Puppy"?
Promoted through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, the "My Realistic Robot Puppy" is often advertised as an advanced, lifelike robot pet that can walk, bark, respond to commands, and mimic the behaviors of a real dog. The product is marketed as a perfect alternative for kids, the elderly, or people who can’t own a real pet.
The ads usually feature emotionally charged videos: lonely seniors smiling with their robotic puppies, children playing with them as if they were real, and claims like “60% OFF today only!” or “Last chance to buy!” These campaigns often include countdown timers and fake reviews to create urgency.
The Red Flags
Despite the compelling ads, there are several warning signs that this is a scam:
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Too Good to Be True Pricing
High-tech robotics for $29.99? Realistic dog-like behavior for less than a stuffed animal? That’s a red flag. These devices—if they existed at all—would cost hundreds of dollars, not pocket change. -
Fake Reviews and Photos
Scammers frequently use stolen or AI-generated images and plagiarized reviews. Upon closer inspection, you might notice awkward phrasing, duplicate comments, or stock photos used for “customer photos.” -
No Clear Company Information
Legitimate businesses offer verifiable contact info, return policies, and company addresses. These scam websites often hide behind vague or foreign-sounding business names with no customer support. -
Zero Product Delivery or Fake Product
Victims report either receiving nothing at all or getting a cheap, low-quality stuffed toy that looks nothing like the advertised product. Some receive random trinkets entirely unrelated to robot dogs. -
No Refund or Support
Once your money is taken, these sellers vanish. Emails go unanswered, return addresses are fake or overseas, and payment platforms often deny refund claims due to fine print loopholes.
Victim Reports
Online forums and consumer watchdog sites have seen a spike in complaints related to the robot puppy scam. Many users report losing money and feeling humiliated or disappointed—especially when they were trying to buy a gift for a loved one.
How to Protect Yourself
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Research the company before buying. Search the brand name with keywords like “scam,” “reviews,” or “complaints.”
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Check for a secure website (https://) and legitimate contact details.
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Use a credit card instead of a debit card or direct payment apps—credit cards offer more protection.
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Be skeptical of ads that use emotional appeals or fake urgency to rush your purchase.
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Look up the product on YouTube or Reddit to see real user experiences.
Final Thoughts
The "My Realistic Robot Puppy" scam preys on people’s emotions and love for animals. While robot pets do exist, they don’t come cheap—and certainly not from sketchy websites that appeared last week and will disappear next month.
If you’ve already fallen for the scam, contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Report the fraud to consumer protection agencies and warn others.
Stay smart, stay safe—and remember: if it seems too cute and cheap to be true, it probably is.
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