Pet fraud warning issued by police

Nationally, 669 people have lost a combined total of £282,686 in March and April

Fraudsters are posting ads online falsely claiming to be selling pets, such as puppies and kittens, asking victims who respond to the ad to put down a deposit for the pet to secure the purchase, police are warning.

The fraudsters use the outbreak of Covid-19 and the current lockdown restrictions as a reason why the victim cannot come and see the animal first, or pick it up. After the initial payment more and more funds will be requested to cover insurance, vaccinations and even delivery of the pet.

So far nationally, 669 people have lost a combined total of £282,686 in March and April, after putting down deposits for pets they have seen advertised online. The adverts that victims have responded to were posted on social media, general online selling platforms and also specific pet selling platforms, however the criminals never had any animals to sell.

How to protect yourself from this scam

• Do your research – Before purchasing anything online, including pets, look up reviews for the site, or person you are buying from. If you are still not sure, ask a trusted friend or family member for their advice.
• Trust your instinct – If you cannot physically go to see the animal in person, ask for a video call. If the seller declines, challenge them on why. If you have any suspicions, do not go ahead with the purchase.
• Choose your payment method wisely – If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, avoid paying by bank transfer which offers you little protection if you become a victim of fraud. Instead, use a credit card or a payment service such as PayPal.

If you have been affected by this, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting:

• www.actionfraud.police.uk