Bringing a puppy into your home is such an exciting time. However, the process of finding your new friend can sometimes lead to unfortunate encounters with scammers. By staying informed and vigilant, you can avoid falling prey to puppy selling scams, here’s some tips on how.
Puppy scams are unfortunately common and can be quite sophisticated, making it difficult for potential buyers to distinguish between legitimate sellers and fraudsters. They use various, common platforms such as Facebook and Gumtree or even professional looking websites to create fake listings with stolen photos and emotional stories to lure buyers. They often use high-pressure tactics, and request upfront payments through untraceable methods. Scammers avoid face-to-face meetings or video calls, invent additional fees, and disappear once they receive the money, leaving the buyer with no puppy.
So how can one decipher the real deal from a scam? Here are some tips.
Start by researching reputable breeders and adoption centres. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous customers. Accredited breeders often have affiliations with recognised kennel clubs, such as the Australian Association Of Pet Dog Breeders or Dogs Victoria. Affiliations like these can be a good indicator of their legitimacy.
If a puppy is being sold at a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often lure buyers with unusually low prices. Remember, reputable breeders invest significant time, effort, and resources into raising healthy puppies, and this is reflected in their pricing.
Legitimate sellers will provide detailed information about the puppy’s breed, health, and background. They should be able to answer questions about the puppy’s parents, health screenings, and vaccinations. If a seller is evasive or provides vague responses, it’s a red flag.
While initial communications might start via email or text, reputable breeders will be willing to speak over the phone or arrange video calls. This helps establish trust and allows you to see the puppies in real-time. Be cautious of sellers who avoid personal interactions.
Scammers often use stolen photos from the internet. Request multiple photos and videos of the puppy, and if you’re suspicious even ask for specific details to be included, such as a recent newspaper or a specific toy. This can help verify the authenticity of the images.
Avoid paying the full amount upfront, especially through non-secure methods like wire transfers or gift cards. Reputable breeders usually require a deposit, but the final payment should be made only after you’ve seen the puppy in person or through a secure transaction process.
If possible, visit the breeder’s facility or the adoption centre. This allows you to see the living conditions of the puppies and meet the breeder in person. If visiting isn’t possible due to distance, request a virtual tour via video call.
Reputable breeders and adoption centres will provide a contract outlining the terms of the sale or adoption, including health guarantees and return policies. Read the contract carefully and ensure you understand all the terms before signing.
If something feels off during the process, trust your instincts. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to rush you into making a decision. Take your time, do thorough research, and don’t hesitate to walk away if you’re unsure.
If you encounter a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities. In Australia, you can report online scams through Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). They even have a dedicated platform at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/.
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