Featured Image: Cat Scam Screenshot, Kasaan Media, 2026
Warning: Surge in “Free Baby Monkeys” Scams Flooding Instagram and TikTok
Social media feeds are currently awash with adorable baby monkey videos accompanied by captions such as “free baby monkeys” or “still available for adoption”.
Many users are immediately drawn in and eager to respond. In nearly every case, however, these are classic advance-fee scams: fraudsters dangle the promise of a free animal, then demand a supposedly “small” shipping or delivery fee before disappearing with the money.
Image caption:Alleged monkey – photo stolen from a 2024 Facebook post, Kasaan Media, 2026
The same perpetrators previously targeted cats using identical tactics, as illustrated by the featured image.
A real example from today demonstrates exactly how the scheme unfolds. An Instagram account called @free.babies.monkeys posts stolen videos of baby macaques, often originating from China and identifiable by Chinese characters such as “豫龙”.
Once contacted, the scammer immediately asks for the potential buyer’s location. If the reply is “In Europe”, they quickly point out that importing monkeys to Europe is prohibited. When challenged with “And free monkey never”, they admit: “Yes mate” and probe further – frequently asking “Where are you from West Africa?”, a hint that many of these operators are based in that region.
If doubts persist, the scammer reassures with phrases like “You don’t have nothing to be worried about that ok” and “We are dealing every day in this job” to project professionalism. Soon afterwards comes the actual hook: “Hello miss can you cover up the shipping fee” or “just have to pay just for delivery fee ok”. Pressed for explanation, the typical reply is “Am trying say you just have to pay just for delivery fee ok”. The “free” promise evaporates – victims are suddenly asked to send 200–500 euros (or equivalent) via Cash App, Zelle, Apple Pay or gift cards for “shipping” or “delivery”.
Subsequent demands quickly follow: veterinary fees, transport crates, insurance, customs charges. The money is irreversibly lost; no monkey ever exists.
In reality, genuine baby macaques or capuchin monkeys cost anywhere from 5,000 to 20,000 euros or more. No legitimate “free” offers exist. The word “free” serves purely as an emotional lure to draw victims into the trap. The Better Business Bureau lists “free pets” among the top scams of 2025/2026.
Moreover, private importation of primates into the EU is almost impossible. All monkey species fall under CITES Appendix I or II and EU Regulation (EC) No 338/97. Import requires permits from the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, mandatory quarantine and proof of appropriate husbandry. In countries such as Italy, the Netherlands or the UK (full licensing system from April 2026), imports are effectively barred. Claims like “Don’t worry about Europe rules” are pure nonsense and illegal.
Many of these videos stem from so-called fake rescues. The SMACC report (updated 2024/2025) analysed over 1,000 links and found that 52% of such content appears on Instagram and Facebook. Animals are deliberately placed in dangerous situations to appear “rescued”, generating views, shares, donations – or, in scam cases, shipping fees. A large proportion of accounts operate from Uganda, Nigeria or Ghana, often masked by VPNs.
The most widespread tactic remains the **shipping-fee escalation: an initial small payment is requested, followed by endless additional costs. Many victims lose hundreds or thousands of euros before realising the fraud. Classic red flags include “free” or unrealistically cheap offers, a switch to WhatsApp with US numbers (usually VoIP from Africa), broken English (“You don’t have nothing”, “Am trying say”), refusal of live video calls or in-person viewing, forged documents (e.g. manipulated USDA licences) and pressure tactics (“Hurry”, “Someone else waiting” or aggression when questioned).
To protect yourself: never send money, especially via irreversible methods. Report suspicious Instagram accounts immediately as fraud and attach screenshots. On WhatsApp, block the number and report it. Screenshot the entire conversation for possible submission to police or consumer protection agencies. Reputable breeders allow visits and hold TICA or CFA registration. Follow trustworthy accounts such as @aimeesanimalsanctuary and consult SMACC and BBB reports. If you have already fallen victim, report the incident to police (online portal), consumer advice centres or your bank.
Stolen and, as in this case, doctored documents complete the picture.
Image caption: Dog breeder certificate – clearly forged by the perpetrator, Kasaan Media, 2026
Image caption:Illinois driver’s licence – pointless and obviously falsified, Kasaan Media, 2026
Behind every “free baby monkey” post lies animal cruelty, identity theft and pure greed. The scam is currently exploding in 2026: fake rescues combined with relentless shipping-fee demands. Stay sceptical, scrutinise every offer and warn your followers.
If you encounter such content, report it and share this post. Together we can help curb illegal wildlife trade.
