BOAH warns of pet-related scams around the holidays

INDIANAPOLIS — If you’re shopping for a new family pet this holiday season, beware of scams.

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health has seen an increase in online scams. Some people have reported spending thousands of dollars for puppies, with nothing to show for it.

Social media posts and websites are common sources of scams. Scammers require a payment upfront and often use stolen photos from other websites to trick shoppers.

Another common scam involves a seller who arranges transportation with several upfront fees that increase while the pet is in transit.

The transporter or seller will contact the buyer to ask for additional payments for added expenses, fees or permits that “suddenly come up” during shipping.

Government agencies do not charge fees for pet movements within the United States, BOAH advised.

Tips For Consumers

• Research the breeder or rescue and adoption center before sending any form of payment. Look for contact information, check credentials and confirm reviews from previous clients by direct contact. Ask about the breeder or adopter and the pet’s background. Consider searching the Better Business Bureau for possible complaints against the seller.

• Make an in-person visit. Meet the dog breeder, the puppy and the parents of the puppy.

• Talk to others who have purchased pets from the breeder.

• Ask friends, family, coworkers, or your veterinarian for a referral to a reputable breeder or rescue.

• Consult with a veterinarian about which dog breeds would be best for your family. Ask your veterinarian for local breeder recommendations.

• Never pay a fee to obtain an animal that you have not seen with your own eyes — as opposed to via pictures or videos online.

• Don’t pay to ship a pet if you can’t verify the seller is a reputable breeder or rescue organization. Pay only for direct shipping to your location.

• Be aware that scammers can and do take legitimate business names to use as a cover.

• Look for breeders or rescues within driving distance. This allows you to see the animal and meet the breeder or rescue before a possible purchase or adoption. You can also pick up the animal yourself when it is ready to come home. Transporting the animal yourself not only assures the animal exists, but is less stressful for the animal than being shipped by commercial conveyance. Most breeds can be found within a reasonable driving distance.

• If you virtually chat with the seller, watch for odd phrasing or typos.

• If the seller asks you to pay via wire transfer or gift card, don’t. This is a red flag for a scam.

• If anyone asks you to send money overseas, particularly to pet adoption scam hotspots such as Cameroon or India, consider it a scam.

• Beware of “free” pet offers online. These are often scams to get you to pay shipping or other fees for non-existent animals.

Hoosiers who believe they have been the victim of a scam or targeted by scammers should file a complaint with the Office of Indiana Attorney General at indianaconsumer.com or by calling 800-382-5516.