So you’re looking to buy a new furry friend.
Naturally, you look online and find what appears to be a reputable website or breeder. After some initial back and forth, you see photos of your new pet and your heart melts.
You’re asked to make a down payment to put a hold on the pet and without a second thought, you’ve sent the so-called breeder upwards of $1000.
But the breeder never existed – they stop sending you messages, your money is gone and the pet you fell in love with never existed in the first place.
This has become increasingly common with the emergence of online marketplaces, as scammers pull on the heartstrings of unsuspecting buyers who aren’t sure what to look out for.
And it doesn’t stop at buying new pets either.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ACCC reported pet scams increased 1000 per cent, with Australians losing millions each year in pet scams.
The pandemic also meant prices for select breeds of pets skyrocketed, making them targets for thieves looking to cash in on someone else’s furry friend.
As scams continue to appear, we’ve provided some tips on what to look out for when purchasing a new pet, and how to protect the ones you already own.
Beware of fake websites and ads
Pet scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, to the point scammers will build a fully-fledged, authentic-looking website and social media profile to sell their non-existent pets.
Always make sure there’s more than just an e-mail address to contact the seller – if they only want to communicate via e-mail or text, it’s a massive red flag. To minimise the risk of being scammed, it’s best to only buy a pet you if can meet the breeder in person.
Never make a payment upfront
Scammers will often request upfront payments for a deposit or the pet’s transportation. If you haven’t met the person or verified their authenticity – never send any funds. There’s a solid chance your money will be gone, and you won’t be getting the pet you paid for.
Do some research online
Take the time to research the seller or breeder online. If they are authentic, they’re likely to have an established website or social media page that has other pet buyers interacting with them. There should also be reviews from previous happy owners. Using reverse image search or Google Lens to see if the pet has been advertised previously is another great way to spot a potential scam. If you’re still unsure, you can always consult a reputable breeders association, animal shelter or veterinarian for advice.
Take the time to research the seller or breeder online. If they are authentic, they’re likely to have an established website or social media page that has other pet buyers interacting with them. There should also be reviews from previous happy owners. Using reverse image search or Google Lens to see if the pet has been advertised previously is another great way to spot a potential scam. If you’re still unsure, you can always consult a reputable breeders association, animal shelter or veterinarian for advice.
If it looks too good to be true – it probably is
Never purchase a pet based on whether it’s a good deal or not. Pets are a long-term commitment, and if the price for a kitten or puppy looks excessively low – it could well be a scam. Make sure you research the typical market value of the pet and compare prices from reputable sources. If the price seems too good to be true – it most likely is.
Overall, protecting yourself from pet scams requires vigilance and research. Always try to meet the pet and the seller in person before making any payments. Trustworthy breeders and sellers will usually be transparent, provide verifiable information, and have a solid reputation. By following these guidelines, you can avoid falling victim to scams and have an enjoyable experience finding your four-legged friends.
Now, once you have your pet, it’s important you take some steps to help prevent it from being stolen.
Various media reports suggest there has been an increase in dog theft in Australia over the past few years – particularly for purebred or “designer” dogs.
And with the value of pets climbing rapidly due to breeders’ inability to keep up with demand, thieves have been known to steal dogs from outside supermarkets, restaurants, backyards, and even doggy daycares.
Here are some steps you can take to make sure your pet is as safe as it can be:
- Get your pet microchipped, and make sure they are registered with the local council.
- Keep house gates closed and never leave your pets unattended in any area accessible from the street.
- Use caution with overly curious strangers – providing too much information about your pet can make them a target for petnappers.
- No matter how long you are stepping away for, never leave your pets unattended in your vehicle.
- Consider installing CCTV cameras and sensor lights around your property to deter potential petnappers.
For more tips and information on various topics, head to our Safety Tips page and remember to follow us on social media.