Fake Pet Adverts

Keep your eyes peeled for fake pet adverts online.

Fraudsters are targeting victims with promises of animals and pet-related products that don’t exist or are not as described.

Don’t get pugged off:

• If you’re purchasing goods and services from a company or person you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first, or ask friends and family for advice before completing a purchase. Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is
• Avoid paying for good and services by bank transfer as that offers you little protection if you become a victim of fraud. Instead, use a credit card or payment services such as PayPal.
• Ask for photographs or videos of the animal; a responsible seller will understand why the buyer wants photographs and more information before making a purchase.
• Use the online marketplace’s ‘report’ function if you come across suspicious adverts or sellers.
• Sellers offering to meet you ‘halfway’ seems generous but you should only buy the puppy directly from the place where he/she was born and raised.
• When buying a puppy, you must insist on seeing the puppy interacting with its mother and littermates in the location where they were bred and reared – Make sure you visit the puppy more than once too.
• If you think you have fallen victim to this type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

For further information visit www.actionfraud.police.uk