Warning to dog lovers to beware of scam (From Gazette Series)

Warning to dog lovers to beware of scam

4:42pm Monday 15th March 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

POLICE are warning dog lovers to be on their guard.

The warning comes after people buying dogs and puppies from companies based abroad have transferred money but received no animals.

Earlier this month a Bristol woman agreed to buy two puppies for £290 following an advert on a Scottish website. The money was transferred to an address in Cameroon where the head office was and later that afternoon an email was sent asking for £1,200 for pet insurance. At this point the victim contacted police to report a fraud.

Police are now warning anyone purchasing animals or property, particularly when it is offered in places such as Cameroon, to be extremely vigilant.

PC Stephanie Mitchell said: "This is a classic scam and I would urge people to be suspicious of animals offered for sale from abroad. It is expensive to transport the animals abroad and be wary of anyone who is not up front about that.

"There is also never any mention of quarantine arrangements which animals are subjected to. The pet passport scheme only operates between European countries and, with or without a passport, there are inoculations dogs must have before travel is allowed.

"I do not want to discourage people from buying dogs though as most dog traders are very responsible. I would advise anyone wanting to buy a dog to use a reputable dog breeder and to seek advice from the Kennel Club if they are unsure about who they are dealing with."

To report a scam call Avon and Somerset Police on 0845 456 7000.