Puppy scams are on the rise, and they’re getting more sophisticated. Here’s what you need to know about these scams, how to spot them, and what to do if you think you’ve been scammed.
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What is a Puppy Scam?
There’s a new scam making the rounds, and this one involves puppies. That’s right, scammers are now using cute, cuddly puppies to try and steal your money. Here’s what you need to know about this latest scam, and how you can avoid becoming a victim.
Puppy scams usually start with an ad or online listing for a free or very cheap puppy. The scammer will often use fake photos and videos to lure potential victims in. Once someone expresses interest in the puppy, the scammer will then try to get them to wire money or send a gift card as payment. In some cases, the scammer may even arrange to have the puppy shipped to their victim.
Of course, once the money is sent, the puppy never arrives. And the victim is out of both money and a new furry friend.
If you’re thinking about getting a puppy, be sure to do your research first. Only deal with reputable breeders or rescue organizations. And never wire money or send a gift card as payment for a pet. If you come across an ad or listing that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t let a scammer ruin your chances of getting
How do Puppy Scams Work?
Puppy scams are becoming more and more common, and they can be very difficult to spot. Here’s how they typically work:
The scammer will find a photo of a cute puppy online and create a fake ad or website selling the animal. They’ll often use a stolen credit card to set up the payment process, meaning that when you try to pay for the puppy, the transaction will be declined.
You may also be asked to pay via Western Union or another money transfer service, which is almost impossible to get your money back from once it’s been sent.
The scammer will string you along, making excuses as to why the puppy hasn’t been shipped yet. They may even send you fake tracking information to make it seem like the puppy is on its way.
Eventually, you’ll realize that you’ve been scammed and that there is no puppy. By then, it will be too late and you’ll be out of both money and a new furry friend.
If you’re thinking about buying a puppy online, do your research first. Make sure you’re dealing with a reputable breeder or rescue organization, and never pay for a puppy sight unseen.
How to Avoid a Puppy Scam
When looking for a new puppy, it’s important to be aware of the possibility of being scammed. There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from puppy scams, and we’ve listed them here for you:
-Do your research. Be sure to read up on the breed of puppy you’re interested in, and learn as much as you can about what to look for in a healthy pup. This will help you to identify any red flags that might arise during your search.
-Beware of too-good-to-be-true offers. If someone is offering a puppy at an unusually low price, or promising free shipping or delivery, beware! These are common tactics used by scammers.
-Get referrals. Talk to friends, family, or your local veterinarian about where they got their own puppies. This can help you find a reputable breeder or rescue organization.
-Meet the puppy in person. Never send money for a puppy sight unseen. If possible, meet the puppy and its parents in person before making any decisions. This will allow you to make sure that the pup is healthy and that its parents seem like they’re being well cared for.
How is Google stopping puppy scams?
Nche Noel Ntse, who is headquartered in Cameroon, is being sued by the business for violating its terms of service. He allegedly created a number of websites via which he pretended to sell basset dogs using adorable images and client endorsements.
Google asserts in the complaint that the defendant violated Google’s terms of service by using many Google services, including Gmail and Google Voice, through hundreds of Google accounts in order to deceive victims and collect money.
A victim allegedly gave him 700 USD in online gift cards to buy a dog, according to the lawsuit. But he then demanded $1,500 USD in extra, which the victim also paid for purported shipping fees. And the victim didn’t get a puppy, either.
In the lawsuit, it is demanded that Nche Noel Ntse be prohibited from utilizing the business’ services and from developing any new swindling websites. In addition, Google is requesting payment to cover the costs associated with the investigation of the websites by the business.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you think you may have been the victim of a puppy scam, there are a few things you can do. First, contact the company or website where you made the purchase. Let them know what happened and see if they can help. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or the Better Business Bureau. Finally, spread the word to your friends and family so they can be aware of these scams and avoid them in the future.
How to Avoid Puppy Fraud – tips and ticks
The American Kennel Club and Google have provided the following advice for preventing puppy scams:
1. Don’t only rely on pictures. On a video conference or in person, request to view the animal. A con artist would probably disappear.
2. Utilize secure payment options, such as credit cards. Pay with cash, a gift card, or debit cards only.
3. Whether you get any images, run a reverse image search to see if they were taken from the internet or are stock images.
4. Examine the vendor. Check for testimonials, grievances, and a social media following. Request recommendations.
5. If the dog is purebred, ask the seller about the breed and its parents. Ask to view documents and certificates, as well.
How VPN Will Prevent Scams?
Puppy scams are becoming more and more common, but there’s a way to protect yourself from them. Using a VPN, or virtual private network, is the best way to ensure that you’re not scammed when buying a puppy online.
A VPN will encrypt your connection to the website you’re using, making it much more difficult for scammers to intercept your information. This means that your personal information and financial information will be much safer when using a VPN.
In addition, a VPN can help to hide your IP address. This makes it much harder for scammers to track you down and target you with their scams. By using a VPN, you can browse the internet anonymously and stay safe from puppy scams.
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Conclusion
Puppy scams are becoming increasingly common, and they can be very costly and heartbreaking for those who fall victim to them. It’s important to be aware of the signs of a scam, so that you can avoid being taken advantage of. If you’re thinking about buying a puppy online, do your research first and only deal with reputable breeders. And if you’re ever in doubt, err on the side of caution — it’s not worth risking your hard-earned money or your heart.
