Puppy Scam
There seems to be an increasing number of Classifieds Scams
targeting dog lovers.
Much like other
advance fee scams this involves the promise of a puppy when
all the necessary fees are paid. Adverts are placed in newspapers
and the Internet and usually involves someone that has moved
or is moving or resides in another country.
Some scam artists
use stolen photos in their
ads, claiming they are pictures of puppies for sale. Actually,
the seller does not have the puppy that he/she is trying to
sell. The seller will ask for money in advance and refer them
to a money wiring service such as Western Union or Money Gram.
The advance fee in this case, being for the purchase of the
puppy, shipping and customs charges. The buyer waits for few
days and when they do not receive the puppy attempts to contact
the
seller, but with no answer.
In order to avoid these types of scams, remember the following
general words of advice:
- Know whom you are dealing with - independently confirm your
seller's name,
street, address, and telephone number.
- Resist pressure to “act now.” If an offer sounds
to good to be true it usually is.
- If the buyer wants to use a service you have not heard of,
be sure to check it out to be sure it is reliable - check
its Web site, call its
customer service hotline, and read its terms of agreement
and privacy policy. If you do not feel comfortable with the
service, do not use it.
- Contact your local office of the BBB (Better Business Bureau)
and Phonebusters - The Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre toll
free at 1-888-495-8501.
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