BBB Warns Of Puppy Scams

Scammers can AND will find ways to take advantage of a difficult situation. The current national crisis is no exception, as puppy scams have taken on a COVID-19 twist. The BBB is receiving Scam Tracker reports of potential pet owners being told they have to pay extra for a crate or insurance to have a pet shipped because of the coronavirus. In each of the cases reported, victims were also asked to provide an alternate payment, such as a gift card, or mobile banking option that was not part of the original transaction. These are red flags that the dealer is not legitimate and they probably don’t have the pet they are attempting to sell.

The Better Business Bureau says you can take extra steps to ensure you avoid puppy scams:

• * Don’t buy a pet without seeing it in person
• * Avoid wiring money
• * Research prices for the breed you are buying
• * Start with your local Animal Shelter first
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For more information or further inquiries, contact the Wisconsin BBB at www.bbb.org/wisconsin, 414-847-6000 or 1-800-273-1002. Consumers also can find more information about how to protect themselves from scams by following the Wisconsin The Better Business Bureau on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.