Police are urging Victorians to be alert to scammers following reports of widespread scam activity linked to the sale of puppies.
Detectives from across the state are investigating reports of hundreds of people who have lost thousands of dollars after being scammed by fake puppy advertisements.
Scammers are advertising puppies for sale on websites that appear to be professional and are advertised through online marketplaces.
Once a buyer makes an enquiry with the seller, they are sent a photo of a puppy. Victims are generally asked to make cash deposits into a bank account for a puppy, which often includes costs for interstate transport, insurance, and registration fees.
Victims often also report being asked for further funds once the initial money is paid, with a variety of excuses such as different crates or equipment being required.
The communication is usually by email, text, online or telephone and once payment has been made, the seller ceases all contact.
Victims don't receive the puppy and lose their money, with losses between $700 and $10,000 reported.
The most prevalent breeds are Cavoodles, French Bulldogs, Mini Teacup Puppies, Golden Retrievers, Corgies and Dachshunds.
Some cases reported to police include:
• A mother who lost over $10,000 after believing she was buying two French Bulldog puppies online, one for herself and one for her daughter. The victims believed the seller was credible and transferred funds for the puppy. The seller then stopped all contact with the victim.
• A man who believed he was buying a Blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier via Facebook marketplace as a surprise wedding present for his fiancé. After receiving what was believed to be credible information about the puppy, the victim paid a deposit. The seller then ceased all contact with the victim once the funds had been transferred.
Puppies can be bought safely online but it's important that people are vigilant by following these valuable tips:
• Do a reverse text and image search for the pet being advertised. If the search returns a match on multiple websites, you're likely dealing with a scam.
• Try to meet the pet in person before handing over money. If it's not possible, ask the seller to do a video call where you can see them handling and playing with the pet.
• Be cautious of sellers offering cheap prices for pets. If a price is too good to be true, it probably is.
• Pause before agreeing to pay extra, unexpected costs such as additional shipping fees or vet bills. Scammers will often create dramatic stories that tug at the heartstrings to try and obtain more money off victims.
• Beware of sellers who won't communicate by phone, only through text or email.
• Seek advice about the seller from a reputable breeder's association, such as www.dogsvictoria.org.auExternal Link. Otherwise conduct checks on websites being used that may be linked to suspicious scams.
A Deer Park man was charged by Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit earlier in the year in relation to alleged puppy scams. With reports of scams continuing since then, police across the state continue to investigate.
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, we encourage people to make a report to your local police station.
Anyone with 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.auExternal Link.
Quotes attributable to Brimbank CIU Acting Detective Sergeant Laura Montgomery
"We're encouraging people to really do their research before buying - if an offer seems too good to be true then it probably is."
"While it might be convenient to purchase a puppy online, it's imperative you see what you are buying before transferring funds over as this is the safest option."
"Not only do victims lose a significant financial amount, this type of scam takes an enormous emotional toll on people who are devastated that they have been taken advantage of after wanting to bring in a puppy into their lives."
