Scammers are continuing to take advantage of the current health crisis, and are adding a new twist on the old puppy scam. The Better Business Bureau 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 BBB is advising would-be pet owners not to buy a pet unless u see it in person first. Also, avoid wiring cash, and make sure you do our research before buying the animal. The safest way to buy a pet is by reaching out to the local animal shelter. In Manitowoc, that is the Lakeshore Humane Society, which can be reached on Facebook, or by going to LakeshoreHumane.com.
