Beware of Online Puppy Scam

Friday, 23 October 2020 at 14:49

Police are warning the public to be cautious about a puppy fraud making the rounds online.

NORFOLK COUNTY - Police are warning the public to be cautious about a puppy fraud making the rounds online.

OPP were contacted last Thursday afternoon from a resident who was duped out of $200. The victim had found a puppy for sale on a web site and started to correspond with the seller. They ended up e-transferring $200 for the dog. After the money was received the victim has been unable to contact the person selling the animal.

Some scam artists use stolen photos in their ads, claiming they are pictures of animals for sale. Actually, the seller does not have the animals that he/she is trying to sell. The seller will ask for money in advance and refer the unsuspecting person to a money wiring service. In previous reported frauds, the buyer is then continually asked for additional funds to cover insurance, transport costs as well as fees incurred for veterinarian visits. The buyer will wait for few days and when they do not receive the animal, attempt to contact the seller, receiving no answer.

In order to avoid these types of scams, remember the following general words of advice:

- Know whom you are dealing with - independently confirm your seller's name, street, address, and telephone number.
- Resist pressure to "act now." If an offer sounds too good to be true it usually is.
- If the buyer wants to use a service you have not heard of, be sure to check it out to be sure it is reliable - check its Web site, call its customer service hotline, and read its terms of agreement and privacy policy. If you do not feel comfortable with the service, do not use it.
- NEVER wire money or use a bank-to-bank transfer in a transaction.
- ALWAYS try to deal locally when buying or selling an animal or other high-value merchandise item.
- DO NOT sell or buy an animal from someone who is unable or unwilling to meet you face to face.
- NEVER buy an animal that you have not seen in real life.