The Rising Threat of Pet-Related Scams

Apr 3

16:37

2024

George W. Cannata

In an alarming trend, fraudsters have set their sights on the pet industry, employing a new twist on the infamous Nigerian scam to exploit pet sellers. This malicious scheme not only results in financial losses but also leads to pets being abandoned or worse. Despite awareness of such scams, many continue to fall victim, with high-value dogs often being the target, leading to significant monetary losses. These cunning criminals have honed their fraudulent tactics, making it easy for the unsuspecting to be deceived. Operating from abroad, they remain elusive, expertly evading capture. The scam involves overpayment for a pet with a counterfeit check and requesting the seller to refund the difference. Unfortunately, once the check bounces, the seller is left accountable. This exploitation of trust, particularly among animal lovers, underscores the need for heightened vigilance and awareness to combat these devious scammers.

The Mechanics of the Scam

The scam operates under a simple yet effective premise:

The scammer poses as a foreign buyer interested in a high-value item, such as a pet.
They claim that a third party in the USA owes them money.
The scammer offers to pay for the pet with a check that includes the owed amount, which is significantly higher than the asking price.
The seller is instructed to deposit the check and send back the excess funds via money order.
The check, which is counterfeit, initially appears legitimate to bank tellers.
Once the check is revealed to be fraudulent, the seller is held responsible for the full amount.

The Impact on Sellers and Pets

The consequences of these scams are twofold. Financially, sellers suffer losses from the counterfeit checks and the funds they send to the scammers. Emotionally, the well-being of the pets is compromised, with some being left in freight terminals or worse, as the scammers have no intention of actually purchasing the animal.

Combating Pet Scams

To combat these scams, sellers must adopt a "Caveat Emptor" (let the buyer beware) mindset. It is crucial to be skeptical of overpayment offers and to verify the legitimacy of checks before sending any money. Additionally, sellers should consider the following precautions:

Avoid accepting overpayments for pets.
Use secure payment methods that offer protection and traceability.
Verify the identity of the buyer and be wary of foreign transactions.
Report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

For more information on how to protect yourself from such scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission's page on Pet Scams.

In Conclusion

While Americans are often characterized as naive targets for scams, it is their inherent generosity and trust that make them susceptible. The pet industry, with its compassionate clientele, has become a new frontier for these scams. Awareness and caution are the best defenses against these fraudulent schemes. Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

For further insights into avoiding scams, consider visiting Scamwatch for up-to-date information and resources.

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