Seascape Golden Retrievers

Pet scammers typically advertise on free websites such as Craigslist, in local newspapers, or social media sites like Facebook advertising pets that do not exist. Some even create their own websites which often only provide an email address or portal to contact them and occasionally a phone number. They display expensive animals, for examples bulldogs, miniatures, toy breeds, or exotic pets at low prices or extreme discounts. They may even offer the pets at no cost but claim you need to pay for shipping. These ads are usually a scam. 

The scammers frequently want to receive payments by wire transfer or prepaid payment methods. Once they have your attention and coax you out of money they come up with a variety of excuses why the pet cant be delivered until more money is paid. They may claim you have to pay for crating, entry fees, vaccinations, etc. The victim never gets the pet and they are out of hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars, not to mention the disappointment that comes with not being able to get the pet. 

Before you decide to purchase a pet online, do your research. Here are a few tips to consider:

• Google search the advertisers email address and phone number to see if any information shows up that would alert you to a scam. Also, you can copy and paste portions of the pets description to see if the same information shows up in other ads
• Ask to pick up the animal yourself. If there is hesitation or refusal to allow you to do so, look elsewhere, it’s more than likely a scam.
• Don’t make any payment by wire transfer, gift card, reload card or similar methods. There is little to no recourse if things go sour.
• If the pet will be shipped, compare the shipping price to that of other shippers. If the amount is extremely low, use caution.
• Ask for the name and contact information of the shipper and verify that it is a real shipper.
• Ask the seller questions, such as:

1. Where is the seller located?
2. What veterinarian was used for vaccinations and other required documents?
3. What type of payment is accepted?

If you’re looking for a pet consider contacting your local pet store, shelters, or contact the ASPCA. If you know of or have been defrauded by a pet scam, f