The Better Business Bureau is advising people to be aware of puppy scams this holiday season. If you are shopping online for a pet, watch out for scams.
Complaints continue to pour into the Better Business Bureau's Scam Tracker as fake pet and puppy scams are on the rise.
A BBB study found that many of the ads found online are scams, and anyone looking online for a pet is extremely likely to encounter one. Reports have increased 39% since 2017 when the BBB first alerted consumers of this scam.
In the last three years, nearly 16,000 complaints have been reported to the Better Business Bureau.
|
Year |
Estimated complaints and scams pertain to pet fraud |
|
2017 |
4,664 |
|
2018 |
6,007 |
|
2019 (Jan-Nov) |
5,879 |
|
2019 (projected) |
6,466 |
Tips to protect yourself from pet scams:
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Never send money via Western Union and Moneygram to people or companies you don't know or trust.
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Do an internet search for the picture of the pet you are considering.
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Research prices for the breed you are interested in adopting or purchasing.
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Check out the website.
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Find out what other consumers are saying.
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If you have been a victim or see a puppy scam, report it to the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker.
