Potential dog and cat owners are urged to follow advice to avoid financial scams

According to Action Frauds figures, there was a 20% increase in scams involving the sale and purchase of pets during last year.

Compared to the previous year more Scots are falling victim to online criminals who create fake advertisements for cute looking animals with the goal of stealing money from anyone looking to buy a pet.

They have estimated that over £2.6 million was lost by would-be owners in the 2020/21 financial year after they had put down deposits for animals advertised online – which turned out to be scams.

Victims have reported being scammed on social media,online marketplaces and specific pet-selling platforms, with many duped by fake promises of dogs and puppies or cats and kittens.

Jim Winters, head of fraud at Barclays, says: “Over lockdown, we saw a particular rise in pet scams, where people paid in advance for a pet that they’ve seen online or been sent images of, only to find out the animal doesn’t exist.

“The issue with these types of scams is that when people are buying or investing in something that they really want, such as a family pet, suspicions they may have are often overlooked and they go against their better judgment, which leaves themselves open to being duped,” Winters warns.

“Our advice is to stop and think before making a purchase, always ask for a second opinion from a friend or relative, and never just assume that the seller is who you think they are.

“Always make sure you complete extra research and read reviews to ensure the person, company or website you are buying from is genuine,” he adds. “If you have concerns, do not give any personal or payment details, or be pressured into sending money, and remember – if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.”

Here are Action Fraud’s top tips to protect yourself from pet scams…

1. Do your research

Look up reviews of the website or person you’re buying from. If you’re purchasing an item from an online marketplace, view the seller’s feedback history before making the purchase.

2. Trust your instincts

If you’re unable to view the animal in person, ask for a video call. If you’re buying a young animal, make sure you’re able to see the mother and the rest of the litter. Responsible sellers will understand why you want to view the animal in person. If the seller declines, challenge them on why. If you have any suspicions, do not pay any money.

3. Choose how you pay

Credit card or payment services such as PayPal could give you a better chance of recovering your money following a fraud. Action Fraud also advises people to follow the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign, which says pause to think before parting with money or personal information (takefive-stopfraud.org.uk).

When things go wrong

Anyone can fall victim to fraud. If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Action Fraud also advises that the public follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign to keep themselves safe from fraud.

• Stop: taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
• Challenge: could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
• Protect: if you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

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