Would-be Buyers Get Caught in Internet Pet Scams
The American Veterinary Medical Association (Schaumburg, Ill.) is warning potential pet buyers to avoid an Internet scam that promises animals but does not deliver.
Online posts offering pets at below-market prices encourage buyers to wire money to Cameroon or a money drop in the United Kingdom, according to a news release from the AVMA. Would-be buyers who fall prey to the scam are then asked to send additional funds for insurance costs, unexpected veterinary services, permits or transportation costs.
This continues until the victims stop sending money—and no pets are ever delivered.
Dr. Walter Woolf knows the scam well because his business has been falsely linked to the transactions. The online posts often include the name of a real business, like Woolf’s Air Animal Pet Movers, for an air of legitimacy.
“Many reputable breeders, who are concerned about making sure the pet receives a suitable home, will not sell animals unless they are able to meet and interview their potential owner or owners,” said Dr. Gail Golab, director of AVMA’s Animal Welfare Division. “If extenuating circumstances prevent [buyers] from meeting with a breeder face-to-face, [they] should check references and credentials first, and never send money without speaking to the breeder.”
Those who think they’ve been scammed should contact local authorities and file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org). [April 2009 PET AGE]
 |
