Picture this: you’re vibing in Adopt Me!, your neon unicorn prancing around, and someone slides into your trade window with a deal that sounds way too good to be true.
Spoiler alert—it probably is! Scams in Adopt Me! are like pesky flies at a picnic; they’re everywhere, and they’re out to ruin your fun. As a long-time player who’s seen it all (and maybe fell for a scam or two back in the day),
I’m here to spill the tea on the sneakiest tricks scammers are using right now in 2025.
So, what are the top 10 scam tactics in Adopt Me! right now? They’re clever ploys like trust trading, fake YouTuber impersonations, pet doubling scams, and more, all designed to trick you into handing over your hard-earned pets or items without getting anything in return.
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of each one, with real-world examples and tips to dodge these traps like a pro. Ready to outsmart the scammers? Let’s go!
What Is a Trust Trade Scam, and Why Is It So Common?
Ever had someone in Adopt Me! say, “Hey, give me your pet first, and I’ll totally give you my frost dragon after”? That’s a trust trade scam, and it’s as old as the game itself.
Scammers love this tactic because it preys on your willingness to believe they’ll hold up their end of the bargain.
I almost gave away my rare panda because someone promised to “trade back” with a legendary. Spoiler: they never do. These scams thrive in the game’s chat, where players are eager to score their dream pets.
The trust trade scam works by convincing you to give your item or pet first, with a promise of something better later—then the scammer bolts.
For example, a player might say, “I need to test if you’re trustworthy, so trade me your pet first!” Once you do, they leave the server faster than you can say “neon unicorn.”
To avoid this, always use the official trade window and never trade without seeing their offer upfront. If they push for trust, run the other way!
How Do Fake YouTuber Impersonations Trick Players?
I once saw a “MeganPlays” lookalike in a server, and half the players were throwing pets at them. Turns out, it was just some kid with a similar username and a big ego.
Fake YouTuber impersonations involve scammers mimicking the names or avatars of well-known Adopt Me! content creators to trick you into trading valuable items.
They might say, “I’m doing a giveaway for my channel, trade me your pet for a shoutout!” To spot these fakes, check their Roblox profile—real YouTubers have verified badges or links to their channels.
Also, legit creators don’t randomly ask for your pets in-game.
What’s the Deal with Pet Doubling Scams?
Pet doubling scams are like the shiny candy of Adopt Me! scams—tempting but totally fake. A scammer might approach you saying, “Trade me your pet, and I’ll clone it so you get two!”
Guess what? They took my pet and vanished. These scams play on your greed for more pets without the grind.
Pet doubling scams promise to duplicate your pet but result in the scammer stealing it instead.
For instance, they might show you a “demo” with a common pet to build trust, then ask for your mega neon dragon. Newsflash: cloning isn’t possible in Adopt Me!. To stay safe, never trade your pet for a doubling promise.
Stick to the trade window and only accept deals where you see the goods upfront. If they mention “doubling,” it’s a red flag bigger than a frost dragon’s wings.
Why Are Pick-a-Door Scams So Sneaky?
Picture this: you’re invited to a player’s house for a “fun game” called Pick-a-Door. They say, “Trade me a pet to play, and you could win a legendary!” Sounds like a carnival game, but it’s a scam.
I once watched a friend lose a rare pet to this nonsense, and the scammer’s house was decked out with “prizes” that never existed. These scams are sneaky because they disguise themselves as harmless fun.
Pick-a-Door scams trick you into trading a pet to participate in a rigged game where you always lose.
The scammer sets up doors in their house, claiming one hides a mega pet. You trade your pet to “play,” pick a door, and—surprise!—you get nothing, and they leave.
To avoid this, skip any game that requires you to trade first. Real games in Adopt Me! don’t need your pets as an entry fee. Trust your gut and steer clear of these virtual carnivals.
How Do Scammers Use Fake Middlemen in Cross-Trading?
Cross-trading—swapping items between different Roblox games—sounds cool, but it’s a scammer’s playground. They’ll often insist on using a “middleman” to “secure” the trade, but surprise!
The middleman is their buddy or alt account. I once saw a player lose a Blade Ball item because the “middleman” ran off with their Adopt Me! pet. It’s like trusting a fox to guard your henhouse.
In cross-trading scams, scammers use fake middlemen to steal your items under the guise of a secure trade.
For example, you trade your pet to the middleman, who’s supposed to swap it for a Murder Mystery 2 knife, but they just keep it. Cross-trading is risky because it’s not supported by Roblox’s trade system.
To stay safe, avoid cross-trading altogether. If you must, use a trusted friend you know IRL as a middleman, and always record the trade for proof.
What’s a Pet Sitting Scam, and How Does It Work?
Pet sitting scams sound so wholesome—like leaving your dog with a neighbor. But in Adopt Me!, it’s a trap. A scammer offers to “level up” your pet or make it neon, asking you to trade it to them temporarily. It’s heartbreaking how these scams prey on trust.
Pet sitting scams involve scammers taking your pet under the pretense of leveling it up or caring for it, then keeping it.
They might say, “I’ll make your pet mega neon, just trade it to me for a day!” Once you trade, they block you or leave.
To avoid this, never trade your pet for someone else to “care” for it. Level up your pets yourself—it’s safer and more rewarding. If someone offers pet sitting, it’s probably a scam in disguise.
How Do Scammers Fake Pet Rarity to Rip You Off?
Ever traded for a pet that looked rare but turned out to be a painted common? Scammers use tricks like paintsealer to make a dog look like a blue dog, then trade it for your legendary.
I once saw a “pink cat” in a trade window that was just a painted cat—thankfully, the hover feature saved the day. These scams bank on you not checking the fine print.
Scammers fake pet rarity by using paintsealer or other tricks to make common pets look valuable, tricking you into unfair trades.
For example, they might trade a painted dog for your unicorn, claiming it’s a rare blue dog. Always hover over pets in the trade window to see their true name and rarity.
If the deal seems off, double-check the pet’s value on trusted sites like Traderie. Knowledge is your best defense against these sneaky swaps.
What’s the “I Got Hacked” Sob Story Scam?
Some scammers are straight-up actors, spinning sob stories to tug at your heartstrings. They’ll claim, “I got hacked and lost all my pets, please give me something!”
I once felt bad for a player who said their account was stolen—until I saw them pulling the same stunt on another server. These scams exploit your kindness, and it’s honestly kinda gross.
The “I got hacked” scam involves scammers pretending to be victims of hacking to guilt you into giving them free pets or items.
They might say, “My mega neon was stolen, can you spare a pet?” If you trade, they’ll take your stuff and laugh all the way to the next server. To avoid this, politely decline sob stories and suggest they contact Adopt Me! support. Real victims won’t beg in-game—they’ll report the issue officially.
How Do Fake Giveaway Scams Lure Players?
Who doesn’t love a giveaway? Scammers know this and use fake giveaways to reel you in. They’ll host a “party” at their house, promising free legendaries if you trade a pet to enter.
I went to one of these parties once, and the host kept delaying the “giveaway” until everyone traded—then poof, they were gone. It’s like a virtual Ponzi scheme.
Fake giveaway scams lure players with promises of free pets or items in exchange for trading something to “enter,” then the scammer disappears.
For example, they might say, “Trade me a pet to join my frost dragon giveaway!” Once you trade, they kick you or leave. Real giveaways don’t require you to trade first. Stick to official Adopt Me! events or verified YouTuber giveaways to avoid getting burned.
Why Are Account Impersonation Scams So Dangerous?
Imagine trading with your bestie, only to realize it’s not them—it’s a scammer with a near-identical username. Account impersonation scams are next-level devious.
Luckily, I checked their profile before trading my owl. These scams are dangerous because they hit you where it hurts—your trust in friends.
Account impersonation scams involve scammers creating usernames or avatars that mimic your friends or trusted players to trick you into trading.
Always double-check usernames and chat with your friend outside the game (like on Discord) to confirm it’s them. If the username looks fishy, block and report immediately.
Scam Tactics at a Glance
| Scam Type | How It Works | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Trust Trade | Scammer asks you to trade first, promising something later—then leaves. | Use trade window only; never trade without seeing their offer. |
| Fake YouTuber | Pretends to be a famous creator to gain trust and steal pets. | Check for verified badges; don’t trade with random “celebs.” |
| Pet Doubling | Promises to clone your pet but steals it instead. | Know cloning isn’t possible; stick to fair trades. |
| Pick-a-Door | Tricks you into trading a pet for a rigged game with no prize. | Avoid games requiring trades; trust your instincts. |
| Fake Middleman | Uses a fake middleman to steal items in cross-trades. | Avoid cross-trading; use trusted friends as middlemen if necessary. |
| Pet Sitting | Takes your pet under pretense of leveling it up, then keeps it. | Level pets yourself; never trade for “care.” |
| Fake Rarity | Uses paintsealer to make common pets look rare. | Hover over pets to check true name; verify values on trusted sites. |
| “I Got Hacked” Sob Story | Pretends to be a victim to guilt you into giving free items. | Suggest they contact support; don’t trade out of pity. |
| Fake Giveaway | Promises free pets for trading to “enter,” then disappears. | Avoid giveaways requiring trades; stick to official events. |
| Account Impersonation | Mimics a friend’s username to trick you into trading. | Double-check usernames; confirm with friends outside game. |
A Word from a Player Who’s Been There
“I lost my first legendary to a trust trade scam, and it stung like crazy. But it taught me to be smarter. Now, I never trade without double-checking everything, and I’ve kept my neon collection safe ever since.” —Elvebredd.co
FAQs
What should I do if I get scammed?
Report the scammer using the in-game report feature and contact Adopt Me! support with screenshots or videos of the trade. They can’t always return your items, but reporting helps ban scammers.
Can I get my pets back after a scam?
Unfortunately, Adopt Me! support rarely returns scammed items, as they can’t verify every case. Always trade carefully to avoid this heartbreak.
How can I tell if a trade is safe?
Use the official trade window, check pet values on trusted sites, and only trade with players you know or verify. If it feels too good to be true, it is probably.
Are there any safe giveaways in Adopt Me!?
Stick to official Adopt Me! events or giveaways hosted by verified YouTubers on their channels. In-game “giveaways” requiring trades are usually scams.
Conclusion
Navigating Adopt Me! in 2025 is like walking through a virtual jungle—full of wonders, but with scammers lurking behind every tree. From trust trades to fake YouTuber tricks, these top 10 scam tactics are designed to swipe your pets faster than you can hatch an egg.
But armed with this guide, you’re ready to outsmart them all. Stick to the trade window, trust your instincts, and never let a sob story or shiny promise cloud your judgment. Keep your inventory safe, and let’s make Adopt Me! a fun place for everyone—minus the scammers!