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Online Scammers Using Pets to Get Your Cash
There are few things cuter than a fuzzy little puppy. But, pound-for-pound, there aren't that many things more expensive, either, at least if you're the type to demand a purebred or trendy crossbreed like Schnoodles or Dorkies. This is surely one reason why scammers are starting to turn to pet lovers to earn some cash. Bankrate.com has created an overview of common pet scams, some of which we've seen before in other guises, and others that are downright disturbing. Here are the two most common scams:
Nigerian Puppies -- This is a variation of the classic Nigerian scam in which the criminal asks for a little money in exchange for a lot, in this case a purebred puppy worth around $2,000. Scammers ask for $100 for shipping for the pooch, which later turns into $200 due to unexpected fees. In the end, the would-be buyer has no dog and the scammer has a couple hundred bucks or more. Sadly, you should be wary when doing any online business with anyone from Nigeria, pet-related or otherwise.
Designer-Priced Mutts -- As mentioned above, if you are willing to pay thousands for a custom breed, be sure that you get what you pay for. Some scammers are selling mutts to wealthy buyers who think they're getting a specific mix of breeds.
In general, you're recommended to never buy a dog strictly over the Internet. There are enough reputable breeders in just about every part of the country that finding the right pooch in person shouldn't be difficult. But, if you're that money conscious that you'd risk sending cash to Nigeria for a free puppy, why not give a call to your local humane society? There are millions of great but homeless dogs and cats available and they'll love you just as much whether they're a Labradoodle or a plain ol' mutt.
From Bankrate.com
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Comments
42
Subscribe to commentsLanceOct 4th 2007 10:58PM
Please, before criticizing U.S. dog breeders, remember, there are organizations that are legitimate. Ever heard of the American Kennel Club? Their address is akc.org (AKC.org). Go to the site, read the information about adopting animals, breeding animals. Not every single animal breeder out there DOES NOT know what they're doing. Many, many RESPONSIBLE dog breeders honestly, WORLDWIDE, not only show their dogs, but sell their dogs worldwide. I know from living in a rural, agricultural state that there absolutely are LEGITIMATE, legal, honest dog breeders who do advertise and sell their precious, expensive animals online. I have almost thirty dogs that are my family and I make a living off of their puppies. It comes from years of experience first from breeding purebred Arabian horses with my parents on our farm and now I'm into show dogs and I love what I do. Again, there are organizations who not only educate people about dogs period, but who can recommend top breeders and also acknowledge pertinent information when purchasing an animal. I have many people who are extremely skeptical about buying from me because it's online and I live states away. I tell those people the phone number to the AKC, provide them with the sire and dam's registration number, litter number, etc., and they verify the information. Then, I also provide them with my veterinarians' offices and they also corroborate the TRUTH. I have been taken as a breeder by U.S. citizens (not Nigerians) that have written me $1,400 checks for a puppy and the funds were insufficient. So, the negativity of buying online isn't always bad for purchasers, but sellers as well. Who's got something to say that can disprove what I've said? No one can, because it's true. Why would someone that has their heart set on a purebred, registered (AKC), show-quality animal, not be able to purchase from a legitimate breeder here in the U.S.? These terribly sad postings of bad experiences shouldn't reflect on excellent, responsible animal breeders. After all, if it weren't for true, dedicated purebred breeders, how could an entire breed of animal continue to exist througout time?
LanceOct 4th 2007 11:20PM
One more thing, to address two subjects I've read that are relating to the negativity of dog breeders: I as an AKC dog breeder CANNOT keep enough babies to supply all the people who want one. Also, for someone to say that responsible or not responsible breeders are only bringing more animals into a world where thousands of unwanted animals are being put to death is sadly mistaken about the truth and education of animal husbandry and animal breeding. People who live in large, urban areas have no idea as to the lifestyle or the authenticity of farms or breeders and the people on the receiving end who buy them to do the same as the previous person did. Would you say that people that breed cows are bad? Not ALL dog breeders should STOP breeding dogs, then there would be no television shows on Animal Planet to watch the dog shows!