Be Wary Of Online Puppy Purchases; Veterinarian Group Says Pet Scams Are Rampant, Particularly In Texas – CBS Dallas / Fort Worth
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Are you thinking of adding a furry family member this holiday season?
Experts say that you should be careful when buying a pet online.
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A new study from Veterinarians.org shows that pet fraud, especially with puppies, has been rampant, especially since the onset of COVID-19.
Texas ranked second in the country.
“Many people are turning to animals as a form of therapy,” said Lily Velez, author of the Puppy Scam Report. “And unfortunately, many scammers saw an opportunity to set up these deceptive puppy sites.”
Ron Dunbar found out about this after thinking he’d picked the perfect puppy for his wife on braveshihtzu.com.
“And the next day I actually spoke to them [the seller] telephoned for a long time, ”he said.
It was only after spending thousands of dollars that he realized there was no puppy.
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“I’m not proud of it, but I’m losing $ 4,680,” he said.
The Better Business Bureau said the number of victims was increasing daily.
In Texas alone, there have been nearly 300 reports so far this year that cost victims more than $ 225,000.
“Often times these are just archive photos, and the animal you are looking at doesn’t even exist,” said Amy Rasor, Ft. Worth Regional Director at the Better Business Bureau.
Velez said a red flag is when the seller doesn’t let the puppy see – or at least provides timestamped pictures and videos.
She says it is another matter if the seller requests electronic payment or a gift card and the breeder cannot provide health records, American Kennel Club certification, or information about the puppy’s parents.
And a way to guarantee that your new best friend is real? Adopt from a shelter or rescue group.
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“In many of these places there are still animals that are looking for a home. And so you have the opportunity to interact personally with the animal to ensure that it fits into your household, ”said Velez.
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