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More than twenty million people in the United States have seen the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to bless their homes with the presence of a new furry family member. As is 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 successful route for some, many others have been scammed out of their hard-earned money by individuals posing as reputable puppy breeders or sellers.
And what’s worse than the loss of money is that these hopeful pet owners have lost access to a new best friend. They had fallen in love with a puppy that might never have existed. Those who had fallen victim to such scams must have felt the harsh stings of devastation and anger.
For every honest breeder, there’s a scammer just around the corner waiting to steal money, time, and joy from pet lovers. However, those who begin their search armed with knowledge of common puppy scams and how to avoid them can protect themselves from the same fate.
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What is a puppy scam?
A puppy scam occurs when an individual advertises the sale of a puppy that is, in fact, unavailable or non-existent. And while you, the reader, may not have encountered this particular form of deception, an alarming number of Americans have.
In fact, a study by the Better Business Bureau found that nearly 80% of paid advertisements that appear in an Internet search for puppy breeders could be fraudulent. And while people of all age groups have fallen victim to these compelling scams, studies show that people in their late teens to early twenties are the most targeted.
“It’s not hard to see why the program is so popular in the United States — and so successful,” says the Better Business Bureau. “Pet ownership is hugely popular, and selecting and purchasing a pet is considered the first step towards bringing a beloved new member into the family. Pets companionship and comfort, and a new puppy or kitten can quickly become a focal point in its owner’s life.
Compiled estimates of fraudulent puppy sellers have reached an all-time high, with hundreds of reports pouring in daily across the country. And since the victims of fraud, statistically, do not take the time to file a complaint with their rulers, these figures speak for themselves:
“Sixty percent of these reports indicated that consumers never received the pets they purchased,” states the American Kennel Club, “and others received pets that had health issues. health or genetics and have not received documentation for their pet.
How can I spot a puppy scam?
There are several red flags that will allow a person to distinguish a reputable breeder or seller from a scammer. For example, if a seller insists on communicating only by email or text and does not answer your phone calls. If a seller is hesitant to even provide you with a contact number, they may be a scammer.
Plus, buyers are always encouraged to heed that old proverb: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you see a puppy for sale, especially a purebred, for an incredibly low price, it’s most likely a scam. Quality breeders will value their puppies based on their true worth. Another telltale sign of a scammer is their demand for payment.
If a breeder asks you to pay in an insecure way, such as bank transfer, mobile payment apps, or gift cards, they may be a scammer. Experts recommend only carrying out high-value transactions in a traceable way, for example via PayPal or credit card, if possible.
Another trick that scammers will often employ is the use of stock photos. If your breeder can’t or won’t send you a photo or video of your specific pet, they may be a scammer. For this reason, experts recommend seeing your pet in person before buying.
How can I avoid a puppy scam when buying online?
There are several ways to avoid puppy scams once armed with the proper knowledge and methods to succeed. 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’s important to make sure your seller is who they say they are.
Another tip to validate your seller is to ask for proof. A responsible and reliable breeder should have no problem providing information about the lineage, parents, and health status of the pup. In fact, most responsible breeders are thrilled when they have the opportunity to learn about their favorite breed.
“A good breeder is one who studies, reads, observes and learns from other long-time breeders,” states the American Kennel Club, “and who breeds responsibly and carefully for a number of years before he can be considered as a “successful breeder”.
If you buy your future puppy from a licensed breeder, it must come with documentation. Even family breeders who do not register with the American Kennel Club should be able to provide you with veterinary and vaccination records.
The Better Business Bureau “urges the public to beware of online puppy scams; inspect an animal in person before paying and pay by credit card if making an online purchase. Additionally, potential buyers can often detect fraud by searching the internet for the animal’s photo. If the same image appears on other sites, you may be dealing with fraud. »
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A final tip for puppy buyers is to be patient. If a seller you meet online pressures you to pay immediately, they may be a scammer. Most reputable breeders will want to check on potential customers before the sale, making sure the pup is going to a safe, loving home. Buying a puppy is a long process, usually taking several months.
Equipped with expert knowledge and tips for success, you can avoid falling victim to a puppy scam. If we all ban each other together to protect each other from sneaky scammers, we may be able to rid the world of them for good!
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