I've been looking for a puppy, which you think should be pretty easy. I know i want a small breed that gets along well with other dogs and who loves to cuddle the only problem is... nearly half if not more than half of the people that i have contacted about puppies the claim to have give me this long tear jerking story and then ask for my full name address and for me to ship them money and then they'll ship the dog later! I need help i just want a baby to call my own! how do i tell who's real and who's fake?

If you are looking for a purebred puppy and not any of the "designer" mixes then you could try checking the AKC website for a referral. On the link below, there is also valuable info about choosing the breed you want. Another idea would be to ask your vet for a reference to a breeder who is more local and you would be able to pick the puppy up instead of risking sending money to a scammer. There's nothing wrong with buying from somebody you find on the internet but I would wait until you have had a few conversations (by phone if possible) and are satisfied that they are for real before you send any money. They should be interested in you, your family and other pets and where the puppy is going before they are willing to sell you a puppy. If they don't ask you any questions to assure that the puppy is getting a good home, then I would steer clear.
http://www.akc.org/classified/search/index.cfm?edu=1

There are many great puppies in Shelters. I would start there. You can also look on www.petfinder.com.

You have to be wary of not only illegitimate breeders but also flat-out scam artists.

If someone asks you to send money via money gram, cashier check to another country, for whatever reason, run in the other direction. You would be surprised how many people get taken by scam artists because they lost all reasoning ability when they saw the picture of the supposed puppy they were to receive.

Once you find a breeder that you are confident has the puppy they are offering for sale, get a detailed contract. The biggest thing, when talking to a breeder about the dog you are wanting to purchase, the guarantee they provide, etc. is to GET IT IN WRITING.

Too many people assume something would be covered, only to have the breeder tell them differently after the money has exchanged hands. Know what you are getting before you provide a deposit.

There are a lot of great breeders out there. Don't rush to purchase. Perform your due diligence. Most people find themselves at the mercy of a bad breeder, or a scammer, when they let their heart instead of their head make decisions.

Good luck!

another good source of information is your county kennel club, it's members will know who has the breed you want and can advise on a quality breeder

Just to let you know They have to ask your info because they need that if the pup will be flying for 1 to check the flight availability and cost and for 2 to get an acclamaition of health so the dog can fly. Your lucky they dont ask more than that because when my fiance has his puppys he always leaves me to the phone answering and scheduling for flights and vet appointments and advertising so when someone calls me I ask them alot of questions and sometimes I get personal if I need to so that I can have more info to base on whether or not I am gonna sell them a dog. I also do a contract. I almost want to make everyone come to my house but my fiance wont let me. (id really love to go to thiers) You should really expect for someone to ask your name and where you live and yes of course you have to pay before they ship it. Try Pay Pal it has worked for me.