The ACCC is warning us to be on the lookout for puppy scams after $35,000 was reported lost by victims so far this year.
“Scammers use adorable photos of puppies in these ads to suck you in. Sadly, over a quarter of people who come into contact with these scammers lose money to them, with $173,000 reported lost last year.” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
Ms. Rickard explained that typically the seller tries to persuade the buyer to pay a fee for the dog without actually seeing it. Victims are tricked into paying additional transport costs to their home from the buyer in Australia or overseas. When payment is subsequently made, the puppy is never delivered.
“Don’t trust the legitimacy of an ad just because it appears in a reputable newspaper or online classifieds website and avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order or international wire transfer.” Ms. Rickard commented.