Fraudsters conning pet-lovers out of 1000’s with faux canine advertisements
Sick scammers are conning dog lovers out of 1000’s with pet frauds surging by 24 % this 12 months, Lloyds Bank warns.
Research discovered scams involving canines to be commonest, with typical breeds together with Yorkshire Terriers and Blue Staffordshire Bull Terriers falsely marketed most, and over 50 % of those scams are going down on Facebook and Instagram.
Liz Ziegler, fraud prevention director at Lloyds Bank stated: “Owning a pet is one of the great joys of life, becoming true companions and part of our families. Fraudsters know this and are ready to take advantage, preying on people’s desire to add another family member to the home.
“It is infuriatingly simple for a fraudster to upload a fake advert to an online marketplace for an animal that doesn’t exist. Not to mention those posted by appalling, disreputable breeders whose interests lie firmly in profit, rather than animal welfare.”
Ms Zieglar added: “Social media companies are making money from these criminals, and those searching for a pet are left heartbroken twice. Once by the loss of hundreds or even thousands of pounds, but also by the realisation and disappointment that a pet won’t be joining the family after all.”
How does the rip-off work?
According to Lloyds, the “most common” tactic utilized by fraudsters is faux adverts shared on Facebook and Instagram of a pet that doesn’t exist.
Lloyds stated: “Scammers keep tabs on which breeds are in high demand, taking photos from the internet and sharing fictitious information about the animal – such as parentage or medical information – to create the illusion of authenticity.”
At first, the scammer will seem to comply with the steps of a good vendor by agreeing to a viewing of the pet in its dwelling surroundings, or with its mom.
However, Lloyds famous: “It won’t be long before this is replaced by excuses and constant pressure to make a payment prior to a visit. This can be for the full amount or a deposit.”
As quickly as cash has been despatched, the advert and scammer will disappear, generally “after plucking the address of an innocent third party out of thin air”, guaranteeing a wasted journey for the sufferer, alongside the stolen funds.
How to keep away from a pet rip-off
There are numerous crimson flags to be careful for when buying a brand new pet on-line, and feeling below stress is one in every of them.
Lloyds stated: “If a seller is trying to rush you into making a decision or bombarding you with messages about how in-demand something is, take a step back and ask yourself why they’ve taken such a keen interest in you securing what they’re offering. Remember, you don’t know each other, so this is pressure selling in action.”
If one thing is offered out in all places else however simple to seek out on social media or on-line marketplaces, this could increase one other crimson flag, based on Lloyds
Lloyds stated: “If reputable, established online stores and sellers can’t supply something, it’s unlikely third-party sellers can either.”
People who’re contacted out of the blue with a suggestion – significantly if this comes shortly after they’ve posted about one thing they’re searching for – must also be cautious, as respected sellers don’t want to do that.
Lloyds added: “There is very little stopping fraudsters from setting up multiple profiles to post endless fake adverts on social media marketplaces. Be very careful when shopping through online marketplaces and always pay by card.
“Card payments have long-established protections if anything goes wrong with the sale, through the chargeback and Section 75 schemes. Remember, paying by bank transfer is the same as handing over cash.”