Pet scams: How to protect yourself?

Across the world, having a pet makes many people and families happier and more bonded. But as pet sales on the internet have increased, a troubling new tendency has surfaced: pet scams. This dishonest technique causes money loss and emotional distress by playing on the hopes and feelings of pet owners.

The way we shop for products and services, including pets, has been completely transformed by the internet. Social media networks, pet adoption websites, and online classified websites provide a practical means of bringing pet buyers and sellers together. But accessibility has also made it easier for criminals to take advantage of trusting people.

Usually, pet scammers create listings of dogs for sale, cats for sale, and other types of animals. These ads frequently have charming words and cutesy photographs that draw in potential customers by promising purebred pedigrees. The scammer demands payment up front after an individual indicates interest, alleging a variety of excuses such as insurance premiums, vaccine expenses and any other health check bills. But as soon as the money is sent, the scammer vanishes, leaving the victim broke and without anything.

Pet scams can just be avoided with caution and research. Here are a few useful tips to keep yourself safe from pet scams:

Research sellers thoroughly

You must undertake thorough research on a puppy for sale and kitten for sale breeder to make sure you are dealing with a reliable and respectable breeder or even the breeder.

By carrying out research on the seller, you can spot possible scammers and stay safe from dishonest tactics. Fraudsters frequently fabricate listings with alluring images and descriptions in an attempt to trick unwary purchasers.

Overall, completing thorough research on the pet seller is crucial for protecting oneself from fraud, assuring the pet does exist, its health and welfare, validating credentials, and building trust and transparency in the transaction. Making the effort to research the seller ahead of time will help you avoid potential problems and ensure a positive and gratifying pet ownership experience.

Use a safe platform to communicate with the breeder

When talking with a breeder online, it is critical to use secure platforms that preserve your privacy and ensure a reliable transmission of information.

Petify has secure messaging systems built into the platform. The platform connects prospective pet owners with individual breeders in a safe and regulated environment.

If the breeder insists on communicating via different platforms such as email, WhatsApp, or any other platform immediately after you have contacted them, be alert that something is wrong and consider why they would prefer to have the chat offline so early; this could be another red flag.

Insist on in-person meetings

Before making any payment, you must view the pet and kitten for sale or puppy for sale with its mother, and meet the breeder in person at their home. This enables you to confirm that the pet exists, the breeder's legitimacy and make sure the pet corresponds with the advertisement's description.

Meeting the seller and the cat for sale or dog for sale in person allows you to evaluate the animal's condition, health, and temperament firsthand. You can assess the pet's living conditions, physical appearance, and behaviour to ensure that it matches the description in the online listing.

Use secure payment methods

Using secure payment methods for pet sales online is crucial for avoiding fraud and guaranteeing a safe and reliable transaction.

Use known and trustworthy payment methods that provide buyer protection, such as credit cards, PayPal, or secure online payment gateways. Avoid making payments using bank transfers, money orders, or other non-secure methods that provide little to no compensation in the event of fraud or dispute.

Be wary of breeders who insist on unusual payment methods or need payment upfront before allowing you to see the pet. Before making a payment, check the breeder's certifications and reputation, and confirm that the transaction takes place in a secure and trustworthy online environment.

Be wary of unrealistic prices

If the pet for sale price appears too good to be true, proceed with caution. Unreasonably low prices for popular or in-demand breeds are occasionally a red flag for potential scams. Scammers use low prices to mislead unsuspecting buyers, attempting to fool them into purchasing without conducting enough research or due diligence.

Responsible and accountable breeders invest time, effort, and resources in raising healthy, well-socialized, physically healthy animals. Selling pets at such low prices may signal that breeding practices, veterinary care, or animal welfare have been compromised.

In certain circumstances, scammers may list pets at low prices to draw in buyers, only to uncover hidden costs or fees later in the transaction. These hidden costs could include vaccination and vorming costs, or other unanticipated charges, resulting in a greater overall price than originally advertised.

Dogs for sale and cats for sale sold at unusually low prices may have not gotten adequate veterinary care, vaccines, or health examinations. This can raise the likelihood of health issues or genetic diseases in the pet, resulting in high veterinary expenses and potential misery for the new owner.

Look into the average price range for the breed you're interested in, and avoid deals that deviate significantly from that range.

Ask for additional documentation

A trustworthy breeder will be forthcoming about the way they breed pets and be willing to give information about their breeding process, animal care standards, and regulations.

Request more photographs, videos, or documentation such as health records, vaccination certificates, or pedigree documents for the pet in person or by using Petify live picture request via the 'Petify cam' that can be found in the chat. Legitimate breeders will gladly disclose this information to reassure potential buyers.

Trust your instincts

Take your time, do not rush into a decision. Before making a money transfer, ensure that you have seen the pet and conduct thorough research on the breeder, ask questions, and gather information. Request references or testimonials from previous buyers to confirm the breeder's trustworthiness and track record. Check to discover if the breeder is registered as a breeder with local authorities if they are breeding pets as part of the business and if they have certifications to back up their claims.

If something feels strange or suspicious about the seller or the transaction, trust your instincts and proceed with caution. It is best to walk away from a potentially risky purchase rather than fall victim to fraud. When purchasing a pet online, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Consider adoption

Rather than buying a pet online, consider adopting one from a local shelter or reputable rescue organization. Adoption not only protects you from the risks associated with online pet transactions, but it also provides a deserving animal with a second chance at a loving home.

Adopting from a shelter or rescue promotes responsible pet ownership. Shelters and rescues frequently spay or neuter animals before adoption and provide necessary vaccines and medical treatment, limiting overbreeding and lowering the number of unwanted pets.

Following these suggestions and staying knowledgeable will significantly reduce your chances of falling victim to pet scams and ensure a safe and pleasurable experience when adding a new pet to your family.

If you become the victim of a pet scam

In the event that you believe you have fallen victim to fraud get in touch with your bank right once and report the incident to Action Fraud by phone at 0300 123 2040 or online at actionfraud.police.uk.

To prevent other buyers from being pet scammed, report the advert to Petify by clicking on the 'Report Advert' button.