PUPPY SCAMS: Experts issue warning ahead of holiday

MIAMI VALLEY — If you are planning to shop online for a puppy or another pet as a gift this holiday, experts are warning customers to be on the lookout for potential scams.

Reports of pet related scams have increased 39 percent since 2017, according to the Better Business Bureau.

ESTIMATED COMPLAINTS AND SCAMS PERTAINING TO PET FRAUD:

• 2017: 4,664
• 2018: 6,007
• 2019 (Jan-Nov): 5,879
• 2019 (Projected): 6,466

“As consumers turn to the internet to find new pets, they will be met with a slew of heart-tugging ads,” the BBB said in a prepared statement.  “A BBB study found that many of the ads are scams and anyone looking online for a pet is extremely likely to encounter one.”

Since 2017, the BBB said they’ve received nearly 16,000 complaints from consumers about businesses selling puppies or other pets.

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that about 10 percent of victims in these cases actually report the crimes, so the BBB believes the problem is likely more widespread.

PROTECT YOURSELF:

• Inspect the pet yourself by arranging to meet with the prospective seller in person.
• Never send money by Western Union and Moneygram to people or companies you don't trust.
• Always use a credit card in case you need to dispute the charges.
• Do an internet search for picture of the pet.  If the same picture appears on multiple sites, you could be dealing with a fraud.
• Research breed prices: If someone advertises a purebred dog for free or deep discount that could be a red flag.
• Check the website petscams.com to see if a site is selling bogus pets.