Mornington Peninsula Police have arrested and charged a woman following a series of alleged online puppy scams since January 2020.
It is alleged the woman advertised French Bulldog puppies for sale through online marketplaces, asking five victims from across the country to make a substantial deposit payment for a puppy.
The five victims allegedly lost more than $31,000 collectively. Each victim reported they had lost between $1,800 to more than $18,200 as a result of the alleged scam which occurred between January 2020 to April 2020.
Once victims paid the deposit, the woman allegedly asked for transport and veterinary costs before ceasing all contact leaving victims without a puppy or their money back.
Detectives arrested the 42-year-old woman at a Blairgowrie address on 26 August. The woman has been charged with five counts of obtaining property by deception and bailed to appear before the Dromana Magistrates' Court on 3 February 2022.
Quotes attributed to Detective Acting Sergeant Catherine Weeks, Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit:
"Online deception has no borders and our community can be assured that Victoria Police will not sit idle in relation to online scams."
"We appreciate that during difficult times, people may look for a furry friend to get them through lockdown and the current environment has allowed opportunistic thieves to take advantage of people and their families."
"We encourage you where possible, to delay any purchases until you can see the dog in person."
If you believe you have been a victim of an online scam, we encourage people to make a report on the Report Cyber website at www.cyber.gov.au
Anyone with any information in relation to the scam is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
