ESA Saver

How to Avoid ESA Letter Scams

Jan 15, 2025

The ESA letter industry has unfortunately attracted many scammers looking to take advantage of people seeking legitimate help. Here's how to protect yourself and find a real, legally valid ESA letter.

Red Flags: Signs of an ESA Scam

1. Instant Letters Without Evaluation

Red Flag: Services that promise an ESA letter in minutes without any consultation.

Why it's a problem: A legitimate ESA letter requires a licensed mental health professional to evaluate your condition. This cannot happen instantly.

2. No Licensed Professional Involved

Red Flag: The service doesn't connect you with a licensed mental health professional (LMHP).

Why it's a problem: Only licensed professionals can legally write ESA letters. These include:

  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
  • Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
  • Psychologists (PhD, PsyD)
  • Psychiatrists (MD)
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)

3. Registration or Certification Schemes

Red Flag: Services that offer to "register" or "certify" your pet as an ESA.

Why it's a problem: There is NO official ESA registry or certification. These are 100% scams. The only documentation you need is a letter from a licensed professional.

4. Extremely Low Prices

Red Flag: Letters offered for $20-$50.

Why it's a problem: A legitimate evaluation by a licensed professional typically costs $100-$200. If it's too cheap, it's probably not real.

5. No Questions About Your Mental Health

Red Flag: Services that don't ask about your mental health history or symptoms.

Why it's a problem: A legitimate provider needs to evaluate whether you have a qualifying condition and whether an ESA would help.

6. Guarantees of Approval

Red Flag: "100% guaranteed approval" or "Everyone qualifies!"

Why it's a problem: Not everyone qualifies for an ESA. A legitimate provider will only issue a letter if you genuinely qualify.

What a Legitimate ESA Letter Looks Like

A valid ESA letter must include:

  1. Letterhead - Professional letterhead with the provider's practice information
  2. License information - The provider's license type, number, and state
  3. Date - When the letter was written (letters are typically valid for one year)
  4. Your information - Your name and that you are their patient/client
  5. Statement of disability - That you have a mental health condition
  6. Statement of need - That an ESA is part of your treatment
  7. Signature - The provider's signature

Sample Language

A legitimate letter might include language like:

"[Patient name] is currently under my care for a mental health condition. I have determined that an emotional support animal is necessary for their mental health treatment. The presence of this animal provides therapeutic benefit that alleviates one or more symptoms of their condition."

How to Find a Legitimate Provider

Option 1: Your Existing Therapist

If you already see a mental health professional, ask them if they can write an ESA letter for you.

Option 2: Telehealth Services

Legitimate telehealth services connect you with licensed professionals for ESA evaluations. Look for services that:

  • Clearly list their licensed providers
  • Require a real consultation (video or phone)
  • Are transparent about their process
  • Have verifiable reviews

Option 3: Local Mental Health Professionals

Search for licensed therapists or psychologists in your area who offer ESA evaluations.

Questions to Ask Before Paying

Before using any ESA letter service, ask:

  1. "Will I speak with a licensed mental health professional?"
  2. "What state is the provider licensed in?" (Must be your state)
  3. "What type of license does the provider have?"
  4. "How long is the consultation?"
  5. "What if I don't qualify?"

What to Do If You've Been Scammed

If you've already paid for a fake ESA letter:

  1. Request a refund - Many scam services will refund to avoid complaints
  2. Report to the FTC - File a complaint at ftc.gov
  3. Report to your state - Contact your state's consumer protection office
  4. Dispute the charge - Contact your credit card company
  5. Leave reviews - Warn others about the scam service

The Bottom Line

A legitimate ESA letter:

  • Comes from a licensed mental health professional
  • Requires a real evaluation of your condition
  • Costs $100-$200 typically
  • Takes at least a few days to receive
  • Is NOT a registration or certification

Don't let scammers take advantage of you. Take the time to find a legitimate provider who can properly evaluate your needs.

Ready to find a legitimate provider? Check your eligibility first with our free quiz.

ESA Saver Team

ESA Saver Team

How to Avoid ESA Letter Scams | Blog