Puppy Scams

Dog lovers are being conned out of large sums of money for puppies that do not exist.  The con artists place online adverts, via legitimate websites, for pedigree puppies available for ‘adoption’ or offer puppies free to a good home, as long as the prospective owner agrees to pay for transport costs.

Via an exchange of emails, the scammers request the funds be sent by money transfer and claim they will arrange to have the puppy flown and delivered to you upon receipt of the money.  But once the consumer parts with their money, the con artists then request a further fee to cover insurance and inoculation fees which need to be paid before delivery can be made. 

Consumers end up paying hundreds of pounds before finding out that no puppy is going to be delivered. Although these adverts can seem genuine, and however cute the pictures might be, people are advised not to buy a pet on impulse and to choose a reputable breeder so that you can see the animal in person.  To avoid falling victim to these types of scam, make sure you know who you are dealing with – always independently confirm a seller's name, address and telephone number.  Never rely on just an email address as a method of contact.

Remember that if an offer seems too good to be true it usually is! It is also worth remembering that there are lots of unwanted animals in rescue homes and shelters that are in need of a loving home.

 

If you are concerned at the legitimacy of a puppy seller…

Tell your local Trading Standards Service and tell us - it may help us to stop them and protect other people.