Fraudsters pull in innocent people by advertising animals they don't have and asking victims to pay a
deposit to
secure that particular pet.
Lockdown restrictions are used as a reason why the victim can't see the pet before collecting it. After
deposit
is paid, scammers might ask for additional money to cover insurance, vaccinations and transport of the pet.
As with any other transaction, paying a seller for something that you have not yet received is riddled with
risk.
The scammer then arranges a location from where the pet can be picked up from - but obviously, they never
appear.
Scams
How are scams performed?
How can scams be prevented?
1. Before buying online, check reviews for the website,
or person, you are buying from. If you are unsure, ask
trusted friends or family for advice.
2. If you can't physically see the animal in person, ask for a video call. If the seller declines, ask them why. If you have any suspicions, don't go ahead.
3. Avoid paying by bank transfer as it may offer you little protection. Instead, consider using a credit card or a payment service such as PayPal.
4. If you think you have fallen victim to a fraud, contact the Anti-Fraud department in your region (or the police) as soon as possible.
2. If you can't physically see the animal in person, ask for a video call. If the seller declines, ask them why. If you have any suspicions, don't go ahead.
3. Avoid paying by bank transfer as it may offer you little protection. Instead, consider using a credit card or a payment service such as PayPal.
4. If you think you have fallen victim to a fraud, contact the Anti-Fraud department in your region (or the police) as soon as possible.