More than twenty million people in the United States have viewed the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to bless their households with the presence of a new family member. As a common practice in today’s society, many people have turned to the Internet to adopt or purchase their new companions. And while this is an easy and effective route for some, many others have been scammed out of their hard-earned money by individuals posing as dog sellers or breeders. reputation.
And what’s worse than losing money is that these hopeful pet owners have lost access to a new best friend. They fell in love with a puppy that may never have existed. Those who have fallen victim to such scams must have felt the cruelty and anger.
For every honest breeder, there is a scammer waiting to steal the money, time, and joy of hopeful pet lovers. However, those who start the search armed with the knowledge of common puppy scams and how to avoid them can protect themselves from suffering the same fate.
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What exactly is a puppy scam?
Puppy scams occur when an individual advertises the sale of a puppy, which in fact does not exist or does not exist. And while you, the reader, may not have come across this particular form of fraud, an alarming number of Americans have.
In fact, a study conducted by the Better Business Bureau reported that almost 80% of the paid advertisements that appear in an internet search for puppy owners could be scams. And while people of all ages fall victim to these persuasive scams, studies show that people in their late teens to early twenties are the most targeted. best.
“It’s not hard to see why this program has been so viral in the United States – and so successful,” said the Better Business Bureau. “Pet ownership is extremely common and choosing and purchasing a pet is seen as the first step in bringing a new and beloved member into the family. Pets provide companionship and comfort and a new puppy or kitten can quickly become the focus of its owner’s life. “
Ingenious estimates of fraudulent puppy sellers have hit all-time highs, with hundreds of reports flooding daily across the country. And since victims of fraud, statistically, don’t take the time to file complaints with their regulatory officials, these numbers speak for themselves:
According to the American Kennel Club, “60% of these reports indicate that consumers have never received the pet they purchased.”
How can I spot a rogue puppy?
There are several red markings that will allow one to distinguish a reputable breeder or seller from a scammer. For example, if the seller insists on communicating only by e-mail or text message and won’t answer your phone calls. If the seller is hesitant to even give you a contact phone number, they may be a scammer.
In addition, buyers are always encouraged to follow this age-old proverb: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you see a puppy for sale, especially a purebred one, for an extremely low price, chances are it’s a scam. Quality breeders will value their pups according to their actual value. Another sign of scammers involves their payment claims.
If a breeder asks you to pay in an unsafe way, such as money transfer, mobile payment app, or gift card, they may be a scammer. Experts recommend only making high-value transactions in a way that can be traced, such as via PayPal or credit card, if possible.
Another trick that scammers often use is to use original photos. If your breeder is unable or unwilling to send you pictures or videos of your particular pet, they may be a scammer. For this reason, experts recommend meeting your pet in person before buying.
How can I avoid puppy scams when I shop online?
There are several ways to avoid puppy scams armed with the proper knowledge and methods for success. One such method is to meet the seller in person whenever possible.
If an in-person meeting is too difficult to arrange, experts recommend arranging a phone or video call. It is important to make sure that your seller is who they say they are.
Another tip for authenticating your seller is to ask for proof. A responsible, reliable breeder should have no problem providing information about the puppy’s lineage, parents, and health status. In fact, most responsible breeders are delighted when they have the opportunity to be educated about their favorite breed.
“A good breeder is one who studies, reads, watches, and learns from other longtime breeders,” says the American Kennel Club, “and is a responsible and careful breeder for a number of years before they can be considered as “successful breeders”.
If you are purchasing your future puppy from a licensed breeder, they should come with documentation. Even family breeders not registered with the American Kennel Club can provide you with veterinary records and vaccines.
The Better Business Bureau “urges the public to be on the lookout for online puppy scams; Inspect an animal with your own eyes before paying, and pay by credit card if you shop online. Additionally, potential buyers can often spot fraud by doing an Internet search for pictures of pets. If similar images appear on other websites, you may be dealing with a fraud. “
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One final piece of advice for puppy shoppers is to be patient. If a seller you meet online is urging you to pay immediately, they may be a scammer. Most reputable breeders will want to test their potential buyers before selling, ensuring that the puppy gets to a safe and loving home. Buying a puppy is a lengthy process, often lasting several months.
Armed with expert knowledge and tips for success, you can avoid falling victim to a puppy scam. If we all put a ban together to keep each other safe from sneaky scammers, maybe we can get rid of their world for good!
