OTTER TAIL COUNTY — It’s estimated that tens of hundreds of people fell sufferer to canine breeding scams this previous 12 months, with most reporting they by no means obtained the pets they “purchased” and others getting pets with well being or genetic issues. Scammers like to prey on folks when the feelings and pleasure of shopping for a puppy can cloud common sense. The extra you educate your self on the indicators of recognizing a rip-off, the higher ready you’ll be.
What are the purple flags?
- No cellphone calls. A good breeder will all the time be prepared to speak with you by way of cellphone or video chat earlier than promoting you a puppy. Fraudulent sellers are oftentimes outdoors of the U.S. and could also be hiding their cellphone quantity by solely speaking by way of electronic mail. Also, whereas scammers are prone to begin speaking money instantly, reliable sources will take time and diligence to be taught extra about you and ensure the canine you’re selecting is an effective match for your loved ones.
- Copycat or inventory photographs. Photos of the canine or advert textual content may be discovered on a number of web sites. For each reliable breeder on the net, there’s one other pretend one and it’s troublesome to identify the distinction.
- Sketchy fee. The vendor asks for wiring of money or fee by reward playing cards, they usually could seem anxious to finish the sale or get your deposit as quickly as doable. If you are feeling like you’re being pushed to make a fast choice, watch out. Such conduct is usually a warning signal that the person you’re coping with is definitely a scammer. Avoid paying a stranger utilizing apps comparable to Venmo, as it’s more durable to get your money again in case you don’t get what you paid for.
- The worth is just too good to be true. Research the costs for the breed you’re contemplating forward of time. Purebred dogs bought at deeply discounted costs are sometimes frauds. If the vendor says they register their dogs with a particular organization, you’ll be able to name the organization to verify.
Lastly, attempt to go to the breeder in person, meet the canine mother and father and tour the breeding property in its entirety. If they gained’t mean you can drop by, it is a massive purple flag. Prepare an inventory of questions and ask for proof of vet data, immunizations and well being screenings. Facebook puppy scams are additionally quite common the place fraudsters disguised as actual folks publish a sale of a canine for whom “they wish to find a new home.” If you ever have any questions or issues when shopping for a puppy, our greatest recommendation is to decelerate, do your homework and be affected person. And keep in mind, Humane Society of Otter Tail County professionals are all the time available to assist reply your questions at 218-739-3494.
