Puppy scam reports increase by 200 per cent

Consumer Protection are urging people to be extra vigilant when responding to ads online over social media and trading sites as the number of puppy scams reported soars.

During September and November of 2017 the number of puppy scams reported increased by 200 per cent when compared with the same period the year before. 

Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard said the largest reported individual loss to a puppy scam during the September to November period was $22,500.

“We regularly issue alerts about these puppy scams but there has been a marked increase in reports during the past three months, so we are again encouraging consumers to do a few checks before responding to these advertisements or sending any money,” he said.

“The $22,500 reported loss related to a pomsky puppy, but we’ve also had scams reported about bulldogs, huskies and cavoodles."

He says the scams all follow a similar path - the consumer is asked to make an upfront payment and is told the puppy is on it's way. They are then asked to make further payments for shipping and insurance before the delivery can be made. 

“These scams usually ask you to transfer the payment directly to a bank account or through a service like Western Union. In the end, no puppy is supplied and the payment is virtually impossible to trace,” he said.

Commissioner Hillyard says consumers should seriously consider buying local and to do so through recognised and registered dog breeders.

The RSPCA recommends visiting reputable animal welfare or rescue organisations and says these groups have many different breeds of puppies as well as older dogs, all available for adoption. 


PIC: Seejay - available for adoption from RSPCA WA

WA ScamNet have been able to remove fake websites, Facebook pages and adverts after receiving reports, but say prevention is the best remedy.

“Many of the fake website and Facebook pages can look quite professional so we urge consumers to double-check any business they are dealing with, and if they have any doubts to call us first before they send any money,” said Commissioner Hillyard.

“Consumers should check whether the sellers have a legitimate physical address, a landline and an Australian Business Number (ABN) plus look for online reviews."

Consumer Protection recommend using PayPay, which has a dispute resolution service unlike money transfers. 

More information about puppy scams is available at www.scamnet.wa.gov.au, or call 1300 304 054 or email wascamnet@dmirs.wa.gov.au. Consumer Protection’s guide to buying a pet is available at www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au or see the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) guide at www.rspcapuppyguide.com.au.

If consumers do want a particular type of dog, then they can find a registered breeder by searching the Canine Association of Western Australia site at www.dogswest.com.au.