CLARKSVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to keep people at home, many are looking for ways to cope. For some, that means looking for a new pet, seeing the extra time at home as perfect opportunity to help their new cat or dog settle in.

As more people seek animal companions, the Better Business Bureau has reported a surge in so called ‘puppy scams.’

How the Scam Works

The easiest way to find a new pet is to look online. There are many websites specializing in pet sellers. Scammers will sometimes use these sites, creating fake animal listings and asking for payment up front.

The COVID-19 pandemic gives scammers an excuse as to why a buyer cannot see their new pet before purchasing. This leaves the victim waiting on a pet that will never be sent to them.

According to a 2017 study by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), puppy scams are most common around the holiday season. New data has shown a large increase in fraudulent listings since shelter-in-place orders began to go into effect. More of these reports were filed through the BBB Scam Tracker in April than in the rest of the year combined.

The same BBB study showed that most successful puppy scams relied on advanced, although fraudulent, advertisements to catch the attention of prospective pet owners. At the time of the study, experts suggested that at least 80% of sponsored links appearing in an internet search could be fraudulent.

How to Avoid Puppy Scams

  • Demand to see your new pet in person. If this is not an option, try a search using your new pet’s photo to make sure it is not a stock image. If the same image appears on multiple websites, then you are likely dealing with a scam.
  • Do not send money ahead of time. Digital wallet apps, while convenient, should not be used to pay strangers. Apps like Cash App and Venmo offer little chance of receiving a refund if something goes wrong.
  • If the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you are looking for a purebread dog, research average prices beforehand. Extremely low prices should be seen as a red flag.
  • If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam, report it to the BBB Scam Tracker and the Federal Trade Commission.

Of course, one of the safest ways to find a new pet is through local animal shelters and rescues. Several reputable organizations can be found through our Pets of the Week, which highlights some of the wonderful cats and dogs in need of homes right here in Montgomery County.

Not ready for a forever pet but need a friend to get you through quarantine? Many of these same organizations are in need of people to help foster an animal fostering a dog or cat can help relieve overcrowding and reduce stress for the animals.