BBB: Pet scams taking a heavy toll – be cautious of online pet purchases

Published 10:22 am Monday, March 21, 2022

National Puppy Day is on March 23, and consumers can expect a nearly constant stream of cute puppy pictures across most social media platforms celebrating everyone’s furry best friends. After seeing these pictures, some consumers may decide that the time is right for a (or another) dog of their own and will begin the process of searching for and purchasing a canine companion. However, exercising caution when shopping online for the perfect pet is important.

Pet scams continue to take a heavy toll on consumers across the nation. According to BBB’s 2021 Scam Tracker Risk Report, pets were the most common type of purchase used to perpetrate online purchase scams, and current data shows little indication 2022 will be much different.

Even though puppies are the most common type of animal used in a pet scam, BBB also receives reports of fraudulent sellers advertising the sale of kittens, reptiles and birds that are never received. In most cases, consumers do not recognize they are interacting with a scammer until they start arranging for the transportation of the animal after purchase.

In February, one consumer submitted a report to BBB Scam Tracker that they lost $1,000 when attempting to buy a miniature Schnauzer online. After paying an initial $400 to the seller, they referred the buyer to a shipping company to deliver the pet.

 “[The shipping company] said I needed to send an additional $600 for issuing a sedative and reserving a special crate,” the consumer reported. “After that, [they said] I needed to pay an additional $800 for insurance. Fortunately, I had maxed out my Zelle limit.”

The consumer realized it was a scam once the shipping company stated they accepted gift cards as a form of payment after Zelle was no longer an option.

“I’m now out $1,000, and there’s nothing I can do about it because it was debit,” the report concluded.

In addition to the risks associated with purchasing a puppy online, many charitable givers may consider donating to causes that support dogs this National Puppy Day. While BBB encourages charitable giving, it is vital to remain aware of scammers who create fraudulent charities and crowdfunding initiatives disguised as a worthy cause.

It is always a good practice to spend the time to research a charity or foundation before committing any funds to their stated cause or mission. It takes some investigatory work on the part of the donor to make sure their money is going to a worthy organization.

If considering a donation to a crowdfunding initiative, BBB recommends donating only to those you personally know or can independently verify as legitimate.

For more information about pet scams, visit BBB.org/PetScams.

To find charitable organizations accredited by BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance which freely evaluates charities against its 20 Standards for Charity Accountability, visit Give.org.

Visit BBB.org/RiskReportto read BBB’s latest Scam Tracker Risk Report to learn more about how to identify and avoid the most common scams affecting consumers across North America

Kelvin Collins is president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving the Fall Line Corridor, serving 77 counties in East Alabama, West Georgia, Southwest Georgia, Central Georgia, East Georgia and Western South Carolina. This tips column is provided through the local BBB and the International Association of Better Business Bureaus (IABBB). Better Business Bureau sets standards for ethical business behavior, monitors compliance and helps consumers identify trustworthy businesses. Questions or complaints about a specific company or charity should be referred directly to the BBB at Phone: 1-800-763-4222, website: BBB.org or email: info@centralgeorgia.bbb.org