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Cute pics but no puppies - puppy scams

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January 2021

Before you go looking for a puppy, please read out tips to avoid geting caught empty handed.

Tips for avoiding pet scams

  • Consider purchasing a pet from a rescue shelter or a registered local breeder with a legitimate physical address, landline number and ABN.
  • Verify the breeder information and ensure you are contacting them through their registered contact details; in WA they will be registered with Dogs West.
  • Do your research. Search for reviews or warnings about the business/seller from shoppers or consumer protection agencies.
  • Meet the animal in real life before handing over any money.
  • If paying online, use a credit card or PayPal (which have avenues to dispute the transaction) rather than a bank or wire transfer.

Tips to avoid fake websites

Be suspicious about:

  • Great ‘deals’ served to you via an internet search or pop-ups – scammers hope to catch you out when you impulse-buy after seeing a bargain.
  • Unfamiliar or new websites – look for a copyright year on the homepage, although this date can also be faked.
  • Websites that do not list a full physical address, telephone number or ABN, or if these details cannot be verified.
  • Insecure payment methods such as direct bank transfer or wire transfer.
  • Pixelated photos, spelling errors and other clues that you may be looking at a copycat site of a real online business.

 

❗️ Do NOT buy a puppy from these websites❗️

WA ScamNet warns consumers not to purchase puppies from the following fraudulent websites: