25/07/2021
🐾💙🐾 - Dogs Scam/Fraud Alert!
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What is a Dog Scam/Fraud? Dog Scammers can post fake litters online or pretend to be someone they’re not (usually an existing breeder) to take advantage of puppy sales. They may actually meet you to show you the newborn puppy in person This means that if you aren’t careful, you could find the perfect puppy, send the ‘breeder’ your money, and never receive a puppy or any follow-up communication in return.
While many times these fake listings appear on social media platforms, some scammers find ways to position themselves as reputable breeders by stealing personal info from them.
Luckily, it’s easy to know what to look for to ensure your puppy buying experience is both safe and enjoyable.
🚩 What are the Red Flags? 🚩
🦴 No phone calls. The seller (scammer) prefers to handle communication by e-mail or Facebook chat and not the phone. A reputable breeder will always communicate with you via phone or video chat (if not in person) before selling you a puppy. Fraudulent sellers are oftentimes outside of the country and may be hiding their phone number by only communicating by e-mail.
🦴 Copycat or stock photos. Photos of the dog or ad text can be found on multiple websites and social media. Search for the text in the listing to see if the seller copied and pasted it from another site.
🦴 Sketchy payment. The seller asks for wiring of money or payment by paytm or other mobile payment methods. Be aware that if you choose a non-secure method of payment, it is highly unlikely that you will get your money back. Avoid paying a stranger using apps, as it is harder to get your money back if you don’t get what you paid for. Paying by credit card or PayPal are typically the safest options. Don't give final payment in advance; that's how they take your money!
🦴 The price is too good to be true! Research the prices for the breed you are considering ahead of time. Purebred dogs sold at deeply discounted prices are typically frauds. If the seller says they register their dogs with a specific organization, you can call the organization to confirm. Bottom Line: If the deal sounds too good to be true, it's probably not!
