December 2019
❗️ Do NOT buy a puppy from these websites❗️
WA ScamNet warns consumers not to purchase puppies from the following fraudulent websites:
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.