A magistrates court heard how a 24-year-old man tricked people into making online payments for puppies they never received.
Reece Nixon, of Redcar, pleaded guilty to 20 charges of fraud by misrepresentation when he appeared before Teesside Magistrates Court.
The charges related to online adverts in which Nixon offered Labrador puppies for sale.
The offences were committed in April and May 2020 when people were tricked into placing deposits of between £125 and £150 for the advertised puppies.
The case was adjourned until November 4 for reports to be carried out, and Nixon was granted unconditional bail.
Puppy scams rose dramatically during the covid-19 lockdowns, with fraudsters taking advantage of prospective owners.
