Watch out for phony fees when adopting a rescue dog
- Kim Thompson: Better Business Bureau
- May 4, 2021
- 944
During COVID-19, so many people adopted dogs they emptied local shelters. If you are looking to rescue a furry friend, watch out for scams. Puppy scams are targeting people who want to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue by impersonating real animal shelters or posing as individuals wanting to rehome an animal.
You are looking to adopt a dog, and you find an animal shelter or individual online wanting to rehome a puppy. You message them for more information and receive a convincing, heart-tugging backstory. In one recent BBB Scam Tracker report, a scammer claimed to be finding a new home for her Poodle after a car accident left her unable to care for the dog. In other cases scammers impersonate real animal shelters.
In this latest version of the puppy scam, the scammer may not charge for the dog. Instead, they ask for a refundable deposit to “hold” the pup or request payment to ship the pet to your home. Most scammers ask you to pay through a digital wallet (Zelle was mentioned in several reports) or use a prepaid debit card or gift card. Although this scam mostly involves dogs, it also can include cats and other pets.
After you pay, the problems start. One victim reported driving to the “shelter” to pick up their new dog, only to find no such address existed.
“I called, and they texted me that they are coming down with the puppy. I asked them where and no answer. Finally, after 10 calls the phone was not accepting any calls. By then it was quite clear I am not getting the puppy and I'm out $300.”
In other versions of the scam, the con artists offer to ship the dog. But first you need to pay up emergency vet visits, additional shipping fees or even a COVID-19 test. The scammers ask for more money to resolve the problem, often promising to refund it after the pet is delivered. They may even claim the pet will be euthanized if you don’t pay up. Once they have received your money, the scammers disappear. The dog never existed.
Never buy or adopt a pet without seeing it in person. This is the best way to ensure you aren’t caught in a con.
Do an internet search of the pet’s image. If you do find a puppy online, upload the pet’s photo to a reverse image search. If you find multiple pet-adoption sites using the same picture, it’s probably a scam.
Use money transfer with friends. Protect yourself from scams by only using money-transfer apps for their intended purpose — sending money to people you personally know.
For more information on puppy scams, see BBB’s full report on puppy scams at www.bbb.org/puppyscam.
If you’ve spotted a scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to www.BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to scams. Find more information about scams and how to avoid them at www.BBB.org/AvoidScams.
Visit www.bbb.org/canton or call 330-454-9401 to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, read tips, find events, follow on social media and more.