Resident loses $1,500 in puppy scam, OPP investigates

Ontario Provincial Police is investigating after a resident fell victim to a puppy scam in Norfolk County.

Police say the citizen found an ad for a French Mastiff puppy on a website in October and began communicating with the female seller.

The seller said they were located in North Bay and requested a $500 deposit with the remainder of the balance to be paid when the puppy was sent to Hamilton.

OPP say the animal was then apparently shipped by plane to John C. Munro Airport, at which time the remaining $1,000 was paid.

Investigators say the unsuspecting buyer called the airport after transferring the money, but the puppy never arrived.

Police are warning residents to be extremely vigilant when searching web sites with items posted for sale.

“Some scam artists use stolen photos in their ads, claiming they are pictures of animals for sale. Actually, the seller does not have the animal that he/she is trying to sell,” said OPP in a news release. “The seller will ask for money in advance and refer the unsuspecting person to a money wiring service. The buyer waits for few days and when they do not receive the animal, they attempt to contact the seller, receiving no answer.”

The following are some tips from police to help avoid these types of scams:

• Know whom you are dealing with – independently confirm your seller’s name, street, address, and telephone number.
• Resist pressure to “act now.” If an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
• If the buyer wants to use a service you have not heard of, be sure to check it out to be sure it is reliable. Check the website, call the customer service hotline, and read the terms of agreement and privacy policy. If you do not feel comfortable with the service, do not use it.
• NEVER wire money or use a bank-to-bank transfer in a transaction. ALWAYS try to deal locally when buying or selling anything of high-value.
• DO NOT sell or buy any animal from someone who is unable or unwilling to meet you face to face.
• NEVER buy any animal that you have not seen in real life and had inspected by a professional.