How can you tell if a Breeder is Legit?

Caution: Maine Coon Scammer

Florida Maine Coons, LLC aka “MajestiCoon and OptiCoons” is the owner of the MajestiCoon Bloodline, and its Name “MajesiCoon” is trademarked.

At Florida Maine Coon LLC, we take great pride in our breeding program and the authenticity of our Maine Coon kittens. We have been honored with multiple Outstanding Maine Cattery awards from TICA – The International Cat Association, solidifying our reputation as a trusted and reputable breeder.

Unfortunately, there has been an increase in scammers and imposters attempting to impersonate Florida Maine Coons online. These individuals create confusion and frustration for both us and potential Maine Coon owners. We work diligently to monitor social media platforms and eliminate any false claims these individuals make to the best of our ability.

If you are ever contacted by someone claiming to be affiliated with Florida Maine Coons, OptiCoon, or MajestiCoons, it’s very likely to be a scammer, please reach out to us directly at 352-804-7893. We do not engage in unsolicited emails, text messages, or marketing calls. Your trust and satisfaction are paramount to us, and we will always prioritize open communication and transparency.

For those interested in learning more about our well-vetted bloodlines and joining the ranks of happy MajestiCoon Maine Coon owners, we invite you to explore our websites at FloridaMaineCoons.com or MajesiCoon.com. Thank you for considering Florida Maine as your trusted source for authentic Maine Coon kittens.

These are some warning signs to help you identify a potential scammer when looking to purchase a kitten.

Legitimate breeders will provide you with various pictures of the kitten at different stages of development, all featuring our distinctive “MajestiCoon logo” as shown below.

Scammers often become defensive or irritated when asked questions. If communication is limited to text messages, be cautious. If possible, speak with the seller over the phone and ask detailed questions. If you sense any irritation, consider it a red flag.

Unless you know who you are working with, please avoid making payments through Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, or Western Union. Opt for payment methods that offer protection, such as credit cards, to ensure you can dispute any potential scams.

Scammers may offer kittens at unusually low prices, including covering transportation costs to your location. Be wary of such offers, as you may end up losing your money without receiving the promised kitten.

Be cautious of scammers who use the same pictures across multiple websites. These websites may go offline periodically, preventing you from accessing them.

Scammers often create fake Facebook pages advertising kittens for sale. They may use random kitten images that do not belong to them. You can find our official Facebook profile linked below.

Educate yourself on legitimate cat fanciers associations such as TICA or CFA in the US. Scammers may falsely claim that a kitten is registered with a ‘dog’ association, whereas legitimate breeders are well-versed in recognized cat fancier associations in the US.

Beware of scammers offering ‘imported’ kittens at prices that seem too good to be true. We have firsthand experience with the costs associated with importing kittens from around the world.

If you have any doubts, request a video from the breeder with your name mentioned in it. Consider using Facetime for a live video chat to verify the legitimacy of the seller.

Be vigilant for misspelled words and the absence of a name or address on a breeder’s website, as these are red flags. A reputable breeder will engage in a conversation with you and ask questions to ensure that you are a responsible pet owner.

Individuals who have fallen victim to scams often report poor communication and confusion during conversations with the breeder. If you have sent payment for a kitten that does not exist, scammers may request additional funds for various expenses. For instance, they may claim that your kitten is stuck at an airport and ask for more money to continue the transport. Another common tactic is to ask for more money for a climate-controlled carrier, promising a refund upon delivery of the kitten. Do not be deceived by these schemes.

Look out for a “Buy Now” button on a breeder’s website. Reputable breeders prioritize building a relationship with potential buyers through conversation first.

If a breeder’s prices seem too good to be true, it is likely a scam. Reputable breeders invest in quality food, veterinary care, testing, and healthy pedigree cats for their breeding programs. Most breeders are motivated by the joy that their kittens bring, rather than financial gain.

If you have already sent money for a kitten, scammers may try to appear legitimate by providing you with tracking information. Their next tactic is to request additional funds from you for insurance during transport. A reputable breeder will not add extra fees after you have agreed to purchase the kitten.

If a seller sends you a copy of a CFA or TICA certificate to prove registration with these associations, contact the CFA or TICA office to verify the breeder’s legitimacy. Scammers may alter names on certificates or create counterfeit ones to deceive buyers.

Another scam involves requesting a gift card for a rabies vaccination before sending the kitten. Do not be fooled by this. Rabies vaccinations are not administered to young kittens. A trustworthy breeder will cover all age-appropriate vaccines at their own expense, not yours.

Trust your instincts when dealing with potential scams.