Puppy Scams
How to avoid a scam?
Unfortunately, we live in a world with dishonest humans who instead of working an honest living work hard at stealing other people's hard-earned savings. It goes without saying that safety when buying online, over the phone or in-person should be made with care.
According to the ACCC Aussies lost nearly $300,000 to scammers in 2020, the ABC reports this figure to be a whopping 1.3 MILLION dollars in 2020
https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/dont-get-scammed-looking-for-a-lockdown-puppy https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2020/09/pet-scams-are-costing-australians-millions-heres-how-to-avoid-them/ We work hard with other reputable breeders in identifying and reporting scammers, and whilst the vast majority of us are genuine, honest, and trustworthy breeders, online scammers are still around preying on the innocent. I would always encourage new buyers to remember to always be smart and stay safe by exercising all due diligence.
The following are just a few tips we've added for you to consider when buying a new pup, remember these are only tips • Always try to meet the seller and pups in person, be wary of sellers who DO NOT or WILL NOT allow viewing in person, or prefer to meet at a location down the road. Scammers might use social distancing as an excuse to not meet in person (most people know how to use proper social distancing these days), or claim they need a payment to transport the pet across the state first. If you can’t meet in person, wait for the right opportunity at a later date. We personally always prefer to meet in person, it provides the opportunity for us to get to know you, your wants, and your needs better. • Under NO circumstances should you ever send or wire money to any seller through non-traceable methods, these are major RED flags. Scammers have been known to use non-traceable payment receiving methods that are highly untraceable, these include systems of mailing/posting a cheque, wiring money through organizations such as but not limited to Western Union etc. Keep all of your financials private, take your time before parting with any money!
• Be wary of pups priced well below the market value, As the saying goes, if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is!
• For all interstate buyers, ask to arrange a Facetime or Video call
• Also for interstate buyers, once you've made contact and your happy to proceed the chances are you a have friend or relative who can verify the pup in person on your behalf, we would always welcome a home visit from a friend or relative.
• Again for interstate buyers, most breeders will use reputable transport companies the likes of Dogtainers (Our preferred choice for flights), Jetpets, Dogmovers, GTE transport (Our preferred choice for road transport) etc, ask the seller if it would be ok to obtain a verbal reference from their regular preferred carrier. Be wary of sellers who will not allow you to obtain a reference
• To help avoid scammers, I encourage all buyers to ask many questions when making any inquiry. Pre-prepare a list of questions in advance, ask about the parents, each pups personalities, microchipping, flea treatments, worming plans, grooming, insurance, vet examination/vaccinations etc • Be wary of sellers who claim that the animal they are selling is in another state, town, or country due to an illness or work commitment, in other words, be wary of a Back-story • Be wary and avoid Posts/Listings that have images that do not match the description of the item being offered for sale, if in doubt ask for more images or better yet a Facetime or Video call • I always recommend you practice good biosecurity when purchasing or making inquiries to purchase any animal or animal product.
Always remember to do your DUE DILIGENCE and do your research.
https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/dont-get-scammed-looking-for-a-lockdown-puppy https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2020/09/pet-scams-are-costing-australians-millions-heres-how-to-avoid-them/ We work hard with other reputable breeders in identifying and reporting scammers, and whilst the vast majority of us are genuine, honest, and trustworthy breeders, online scammers are still around preying on the innocent. I would always encourage new buyers to remember to always be smart and stay safe by exercising all due diligence.
The following are just a few tips we've added for you to consider when buying a new pup, remember these are only tips • Always try to meet the seller and pups in person, be wary of sellers who DO NOT or WILL NOT allow viewing in person, or prefer to meet at a location down the road. Scammers might use social distancing as an excuse to not meet in person (most people know how to use proper social distancing these days), or claim they need a payment to transport the pet across the state first. If you can’t meet in person, wait for the right opportunity at a later date. We personally always prefer to meet in person, it provides the opportunity for us to get to know you, your wants, and your needs better. • Under NO circumstances should you ever send or wire money to any seller through non-traceable methods, these are major RED flags. Scammers have been known to use non-traceable payment receiving methods that are highly untraceable, these include systems of mailing/posting a cheque, wiring money through organizations such as but not limited to Western Union etc. Keep all of your financials private, take your time before parting with any money!
• Be wary of pups priced well below the market value, As the saying goes, if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is!
• For all interstate buyers, ask to arrange a Facetime or Video call
• Also for interstate buyers, once you've made contact and your happy to proceed the chances are you a have friend or relative who can verify the pup in person on your behalf, we would always welcome a home visit from a friend or relative.
• Again for interstate buyers, most breeders will use reputable transport companies the likes of Dogtainers (Our preferred choice for flights), Jetpets, Dogmovers, GTE transport (Our preferred choice for road transport) etc, ask the seller if it would be ok to obtain a verbal reference from their regular preferred carrier. Be wary of sellers who will not allow you to obtain a reference
• To help avoid scammers, I encourage all buyers to ask many questions when making any inquiry. Pre-prepare a list of questions in advance, ask about the parents, each pups personalities, microchipping, flea treatments, worming plans, grooming, insurance, vet examination/vaccinations etc • Be wary of sellers who claim that the animal they are selling is in another state, town, or country due to an illness or work commitment, in other words, be wary of a Back-story • Be wary and avoid Posts/Listings that have images that do not match the description of the item being offered for sale, if in doubt ask for more images or better yet a Facetime or Video call • I always recommend you practice good biosecurity when purchasing or making inquiries to purchase any animal or animal product.
Always remember to do your DUE DILIGENCE and do your research.
At LoveableOodles we are proud to be members of
RightPaw
At RightPaw we screen all breeders to ensure they are RightPaw Verified
Breeders must abide by our Code of Ethics, developed in line with major associations and state legislation.We verify all health tests provided.
Virtual tour of their property to meet their dogs and understand their breeding program.
At RightPaw we screen all breeders to ensure they are RightPaw Verified
Breeders must abide by our Code of Ethics, developed in line with major associations and state legislation.We verify all health tests provided.
Virtual tour of their property to meet their dogs and understand their breeding program.
Responsible Pet Breeders of Australia
RPBA was founded in 2018 on the principle that all dog and cat breeders and owners should have a platform to share their voice and ensure the well being of cats and dogs, to be treated ethically, with love and care, regardless of whether they are purebred or not.
The aim of RPBA is to ensure the absolute best conditions/upbringing for all dogs and cats that are bred and sold, for the welfare of the animals and new owners alike.
Registered member of RPBA 611 - Platinum Tier Badge Member
RPBA was founded in 2018 on the principle that all dog and cat breeders and owners should have a platform to share their voice and ensure the well being of cats and dogs, to be treated ethically, with love and care, regardless of whether they are purebred or not.
The aim of RPBA is to ensure the absolute best conditions/upbringing for all dogs and cats that are bred and sold, for the welfare of the animals and new owners alike.
Registered member of RPBA 611 - Platinum Tier Badge Member