Pet scams have been around for years but have become more prevalent as sellers and breeders have shifted online, and demand and prices for pets have increased.
“Pets are beloved family members, and this emotional connection can be exploited by scammers who prey on eager buyers, targeting them with sophisticated tactics,” COBA Chief of Financial Crimes and Cyber Resilience Leanne Vale said.
To stop becoming a victim, the COBA Financial Crimes and Cyber Resilience team shares their expert tips on how to spot and avoid pet scams.
How pet scams work
A pet scam typically involves scammers posing as pet sellers or breeders who advertise animals for sale online, often on classified websites or social media platforms, and scammers use a variety of methods.
For example, scammers may list animals that they don’t have. They will use stolen photos obtained from legitimate breeders or use stock images to make the ad appear legitimate.
Scammers may claim that there are additional charges that the buyer needs to pay to have the animal delivered. These can include special crates, refrigeration units, and haulage fees. Once the buyer pays the extra funds, the scammer disappears.
Scammers may pose as adoption agencies or shelters, claiming to have pets available for adoption. They may request fees for adoption, transportation, or other services, but there’s no pet to adopt, and the fees are never refunded.
Some scammers claim to have pets located overseas, often exotic or rare breeds. They ask for upfront payment for the pet and shipping costs. After the payment is made, they may invent additional fees or complications, or simply vanish.
Scammers may create fake websites or listings that appear legitimate but are designed to steal personal and financial information from potential buyers. They may use convincing language and logos to trick people into providing sensitive information.
How to detect a pet scam
By being alert to the telltale signs of a pet scam, you can protect yourself. Here are some red flags that it may be a pet scam:
- Generic photos that look to be stock photos.
- Lack of verifiable breeder registration information.
- Unrealistic prices.
- Pressure to act quickly before you can verify the legitimacy of the offer.
- Requests for payment upfront, particularly through hard to trace means such as cryptocurrency and gift cards. Legitimate sellers typically accept payment methods that offer some level of buyer protection.
- Inability to see the pet in person before any payment is provided
- Inability of the seller to provide evidence of health history, vaccination records, or pedigree could be a sign that they are hiding something, or the pet does not exist.
- Generic responses to questions, and unwillingness to talk on the phone, video calls, or in-person.
- Unusual shipping arrangements. Scammers will use fake shipping companies or invent fake fees.
How to report a pet scam
If you think you have come across a pet scam, stop any communication with the seller and don’t provide any personal information or money.
If you have provided personal information or money, contact your bank immediately so they can help protect your account and try to recover any funds that you have sent.
Even if you’ve managed to avoid losing money, reporting it is still crucial to help prevent further fraud and assist other potential victims – report the scam to National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) – Scamwatch.
Pet scams also need to be reported to the appropriate law enforcement or animal welfare authorities to prevent further scams, and to protect any animals that may be in danger.
Customer-owned banks are dedicated to safeguarding their customers from scams and fraud. In November, 55 mutual banks and credit unions demonstrated this commitment by joining forces to launch the Scam-Safe Accord. This industry-wide initiative represents a united front against scammers and reinforces the banking sector’s determination to strengthen consumer protection. Find out more about the Scam-Safe Accord here.