General News
15 September, 2022
Police issue puppy scam warning
Police are urging would-be dog owners to be vigilant as detectives investigate a number of puppy scams across the state. Last week, Victoria Police issued a warning to those in the market for a new puppy to remain cautious, following a number of...
Police are urging would-be dog owners to be vigilant as detectives investigate a number of puppy scams across the state.
Last week, Victoria Police issued a warning to those in the market for a new puppy to remain cautious, following a number of reported scams incurring losses of up to $10,000.
Detectives said that in most cases, the puppies are advertised for sale on websites on online marketplaces that appear to be professional.
On enquiring about the animals, the victims are then sent a photo and asked to make a cash deposit, which might include covering interstate transport costs, insurance and interstate travel costs.
In one case reported to police, a mother lost $10,000 after believing she had bought two French bulldog puppies — one for her and one for her daughter.
Communication is usually by email, text, online or telephone and losses ranging from $700 to $10,000 have been reported to police.
While there are no recent puppy scams that have been reported to local police, Central Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit Detective Senior Constable Sam Fary said it was important to remain vigilant.
“If something is too good to be true it normally is,” he said.
“I encourage people to do their homework and thoroughly assess every situation.”
The most common breeds scammers are using are cavoodles, French bulldogs, mini teacup puppies, golden retrievers, corgis and dachshunds.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s scamming watchdog, Scamwatch, received more than 800 reports of classified scams — where scammers pose as genuine sellers — just last month.
According to Scamwatch, although less than 40 percent of the scams reported last month came with financial losses, Australians still lost $872,721. So far this year, a significant $5.5 million has been lost to these scams.
According to Victoria Police there are a number of ways people can avoid being scammed, including doing a reverse text and image search (copying text and images and searching for them online) on any photos sent by the seller and if it appears on multiple websites, it’s likely a scam.
It’s also advised to try and meet the seller in person before handing over any money or alternatively, asking for a video call where they are holding the puppy.
Police advise not to immediately agree to pay extra costs including shipping fees or vet bills and to be cautious over any cheap puppies for sale online.
Puppy buyers can also check with the reputable breeder’s association, Dogs Victoria, to find information on the seller.