October 30, 2008 St. John’s, NL – The Better Business Bureau serving Newfoundland & Labrador is once again warning the public of a scam targeting animal lovers in this area. Individuals are advertising free, or below market value, puppies available for adoption from foreign locations. To receive their puppy the consumer is required to send the funds via a money wire transfer service. Consumers are instructed to go to the airport to collect their new furry friend - unfortunately the animal does not arrive as scheduled, and the buyer never hears from the seller again – their money is gone, and there is no puppy.
Animal lovers are tempted by the opportunity to adopt a dog from a less fortunate situation, and get the breed of their choice at a reduced price. However, there is no dog to adopt, no savings, and all the consumer is left with is disappointment and heartache.
Most recently the story originated in Nigeria where someone advertised a Teacup Yorkshire puppy for adoption. A local consumer made contact and after being assured by the “breeder” that the animal was in good health with “all current shot have being given to my puppies” she was instructed to send the funds via a money wire transfer service (e.g. MoneyGram or Western Union).
Luckily for this consumer, her intuition told her to check further and she contacted the BBB giving us the opportunity to inform of the scam and save her from losing her money, and being very disappointed. According to reports from airport staff, many other consumers have actually arrived at the airport expecting to receive a puppy they have paid for using money wire transfer services. The disappointment they fell when they realize that they have not only lost money, but will not get the puppy they had planned and hoped for. Consumers need to be aware that too good to be true offers are most often nothing more than a way to part you with your money.
It is also important to note that the cost to ship any package from a distant country such as Nigeria would be far more than the $150.00 being asked for in these scams. Additionally there are regulations that need to be adhered to when bringing animals into the country, for details on this consumer should check with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for details, or visit www.inspection.gc.ca. And finally, the BBB wishes to once again remind everyone that money wire transfer services are best used to send money to someone you know – so it is in there bet interest to keep it to family and friends only!
This scenario is not new, during the summer of 2007 this BBB spoke to several consumers who were also offered breeds form foreign countries at well below the “going rate”. Luckily, many consumers checked out the offer with the BBB first and we were able to save them from being victimized. We also worked with local newspapers in an attempt to eliminate the ads that perpetrate these scams.
If you are considering adding a new companion to your household the BBB offers the following advice:
Ø Do your research. Ask if the breeder is a member of an American or Canadian Kennel affiliated club and contact that club to verify membership or check recent listings if available online. You can also check with the BBB (www.nl.bbb.org) for consumer complaint history.
Ø Beware of breeders who seem overly concerned with getting paid. Any reputable breeder will be far more concerned with the appropriateness of the potential pet home than how, and when, they are getting paid. Make sure you have clear expectations – ideally in writing – of how and when you will be expected to pay or the pup.
Ø Don’t be fooled by a slick Web site. Unscrupulous breeders and even outright scams can be represented by professional-looking Web sites that lure you in with fraudulent pictures of adorable puppies.
Ø Take your time. Beware of breeders who claim to have multiple breeds ready to ship immediately. It’s highly unlikely that your perfect puppy will be available for shipping on the very day you call. Gestation and socialization of a litter takes months -- no puppy should be separated from the dam before eight weeks of age.
Ø Report a scam. Anyone who has experienced a dog-related scam should report it to their local authorities as well as their local BBB (www.nl.bbb.org) to file a complaint.
And remember, if you expect to register the dog you are buying with the AKC or CKC, you must obtain documentation when you pick up the dog. Be wary of excuses such as ‘AKC/CKC hasn't sent the papers yet.’ If a breeder is doing his/her paperwork in a timely manner, there is no reason the AKC/CKC Dog Registration Application form should not be available, so wait until you receive it before you pay for and take home your puppy. Once you have completed the financial aspect of the transaction, there is little recourse for an unsatisfied buyer.
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About the BBB System
BBB is an unbiased, non-profit entity that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses and charities that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business Reliability Reports, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers who need help with an outstanding issue pertaining to a business. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 128 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than three million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.nl.bbb.org for more information about the BBB System.