Protect Yourself and Report the Latest Frauds, Scams, Spams, Fakes, Identify Theft Hacks and Hoaxes
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Were you looking to buy a puppy? And that's when you responded to the ad for a Standard Schnauzer? Just when you think scammers can't sink any lower, you hear about pet scams. That's right, scammers are now putting advertisements with photos of cute, usually purebred, a puppy on online selling websites, like Ebay, CraigsList and in classified ads in newspapers; and/or calling people who are selling a puppy.
Once the scammer talks to his victim, the victim finds out that the scammer wants to send a check that is in excess of the amount, and the scammer wants the victim to wire (via Western Union or Money Gram) the excess to others, using a variety of excuses such as other fees, customs duties, shots, adoption fees, insurance and vaccinations to be paid.
As soon as the money is wired, it is gone, and usually so is the scammer... unless he thinks he can milk the victim for more.
There are a few typical signs of the scam, such as:
the scammers frequent use of the word "baby" in referring to the puppies. "Just send me the fees and I can send you your babies! Don't you want to see your babies", one scammer wrote to a victim.
They are NEVER in the United States; always out of the country and the dog is always somehow in Africa.
Money must always be sent via Western Union to the "shipper" or a third party.
If those three clues are present; it IS a scam; no and's, if's or but's!
But regardless of how it is phrased, we recommend you never buy a pet over the internet, unless the transaction of pet for money occurs in person, at the same moment. Or at least conduct the exchange in person, in a very public place.
Visit your local dog shelter or check the legitimate animal rescue websites for a local puppy!
Hello, Thanks for your interest in my pet. The little puppy is still very much available for adoption. This little girl is potty trained and friendly with children She fit in the palm of your hand.She is AKC registered puppy .Adorable and sociable with great Personalities and very good bloodlines.She vet-checked, up to date on shots and deworming,and are health guaranteed.. All the papers will accompany the puppy,But right now I am in Africa on a Christian mission with my wife and we have the puppy right here with us.we are going to ship to you via express delivery on next day delivery after shipment through a shipping agent,so if you are interested in having the puppy, I want you to get back to me with your full name, address including the nearest airport to you. Please if you know that you a re not going to take very good care of my baby, do not reply me because I am giving her on adoption because of bad condition or anything I am only giving this puppy out because we don't have time to take care of the puppy again due to the mission work before us here. She will be going for free so I will like you to get back to me with your full name and full address including your nearest airport and your contact phone number so that I can carry out shipping.
Breed;Standard Schnauzer
Price: Free
Shipping Fees:$120.00 Usd
Total cost:$120.00Usd