How do you spot a pet scam?
What are the Red Flags?
- No phone calls. The seller prefers to handle communication by email and not the phone.
- Copycat or stock photos. Photos of the dog or ad text can be found on multiple websites.
- Sketchy payment. The seller asks for wiring of money or payment by gift cards.
- Price is too good to be true.
What do you do if you think someone is scamming you?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the main agency that collects scam reports. Report your scam online with the FTC complaint assistant, or by phone at 1-877-382-4357 (9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, ET).
Is PuppySpot a scam?
Dwayne from PuppySpot maintains that the site is a vetted, no-cost service for breeders. The company (previously known as Purebred Breeders) also had so many complaints from buyers on sites ranging from the Better Business Bureau to Yelp that I’d advise sellers to stay away. …
Is PuppySpot com a puppy mill?
PuppySpot is what we call a puppy broker website. In fact, they are registered with the USDA as a broker. Puppy broker websites are platforms for breeders to sell their puppies. They even have a “no puppy mill promise” that makes consumers feel as if they can trust the site and the breeders.
Is PuppySpot a mill?
Puppyspot claims that it’s not a puppy mill but with no proof. But you can figure out if it’s a puppy mill or not usually. If they don’t know or show you the puppy’s parents. . .the breeders won’t let you see the kennels, and these are a no-brainer: if they do not ask you to sign paperwork and stuff.
Is it possible to get scammed for a pet?
Don’t get scammed! Pet scam criminals often use free websites, Craig’s List, local newspapers, or Facebook to advertise pets that do not exist. Expensive animals, like Bulldogs or toy breeds, are offered at very low prices. Animals are offered up for adoption at no cost—all you have to do is pay for the shipping.
Is it true that people are taking their pets?
And many people feel that taking someone’s pet is a particularly nasty variation of this crime. Unfortunately, it’s a pet scam that’s on the increase. Every year, tens of thousands of animals, usually dogs but also some breeds of cats, are taken from their owners’ cars or property, never to be seen again.
How are most Puppy sale frauds done online?
Most puppy sale frauds are done over the internet because online animal sales are still unregulated. US Department of Agriculture (USDA) are working on regulating this are through their Retail Pet Store Rule, but it is yet to be enacted. There are three main ways online puppy scams are done:
When do you get a call about a lost pet?
If you have placed an ad in a local paper about your lost pet, and particularly if you offered a reward, you may get a call from someone claiming to have found your pet. The caller wants the reward in advance, though, and if you refuse to pay, they’ll threaten to harm your pet to put the pressure on so you’ll pay up. Pet Scam #2.
Don’t get scammed! Pet scam criminals often use free websites, Craig’s List, local newspapers, or Facebook to advertise pets that do not exist. Expensive animals, like Bulldogs or toy breeds, are offered at very low prices. Animals are offered up for adoption at no cost—all you have to do is pay for the shipping.
How are fake online pet sellers steal from?
Pet shipments often part of the scam The thieves almost always ask the victims to pay to ship the pet by air, and they will send victims to bogus web sites of pet transportation companies set up to support the fraud. Pet buyers rarely realize that the transportation sites are often a part of the fraud.
Why does my Pet keep asking for money?
At times, the thieves may claim the pet is stuck at an airport in transit and additional money is needed for food and water. The requests for money on one pretext or another will continue as long as the victim continues to send money.
And many people feel that taking someone’s pet is a particularly nasty variation of this crime. Unfortunately, it’s a pet scam that’s on the increase. Every year, tens of thousands of animals, usually dogs but also some breeds of cats, are taken from their owners’ cars or property, never to be seen again.