Puppy scams are a sophisticated, multimillion dollar rip-off, targeting people seeking a furry companion. The ACCC’s ScamWatch has reported Aussies lose hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on dogs that don’t exist!
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Animal welfare charity Companion Animal Network Australia shares red flags to watch for.
• Websites and ads in online classifieds and on social media for sought-after dog breeds where email is the only way to contact them.
• Sellers who stop you travelling to meet and pick up your puppy. They ask for upfront payments via money transfer to pay for the pet and transport.
• Having paid a deposit, scammers find new ways to ask for more money, such as claiming higher transport costs to get across interstate borders. Unfortunately, once the payments are made, they cease all contact.
• If the price looks too good to be true, it most probably is!
SAFEGUARDS
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