September 17, 2008

Consumer Advisory: Attorney General Corbett cautions consumers about international puppy sale or "dog rescue" scams

HARRISBURG - Attorney General Tom Corbett today urged Pennsylvania consumers to be wary of international puppy sale or "dog rescue" scams.

"International scam artists are using Internet websites, online classified ads and emails to offer puppies to Americans interested in purchasing or 'rescuing' them," Corbett said.  "Typically, the puppies are offered at a price that is dramatically lower than the prices charged by U.S. breeders or kennels - often only a few hundred dollars to cover 'shipping expenses' for dogs that traditionally cost several thousand dollars when purchased from a legitimate breeder."

Corbett said that scam artists normally pick breeds that are expensive to purchase and may be difficult to find because of small litters and higher breeding expenses.

The online ads or email messages offer many different explanations for the low prices.  In many cases, the puppies have supposedly been "rescued" from closed kennels or abusive breeders, hoping to elicit sympathy from prospective victims.  Some scam artists even claim to represent missionaries or relief organizations attempting to place unwanted puppies in good homes or claim to be helping low-income communities raise money.

"Whether they are trying to attract sympathetic victims with stories of unwanted or abused animals, or simply offering prospective buyers a deeply discounted price on a new puppy, these scam artists are only interested in one thing, convincing consumers to send them money," Corbett said. "These criminals use the Internet to operate at long-distance, far from the reach of U.S. authorities, often using stolen photos of legitimate dogs to peddle non-existent puppies to unwary consumers."

Corbett said that many of the scam artists claim to be simply looking for good homes for puppies, asking only that consumers pay the cost of shipping the dog to the United States. Unsuspecting consumers who fall victim to the initial scam and send payment are often approached several more times for additional payments, with stories about increased shipping fees, veterinarian expenses to clear customs or a variety of other "problems" that can be solved by sending more money.

Corbett offered the following tips for consumers:

• Watch for dramatically lower prices for popular breeds (Offers that are too good to be true often turn out to be scams).
• Don't fall for dramatic claims or sympathetic stories from Internet sellers.
• Be suspicious of requests to wire-transfer money.
• Be especially wary of situations where dogs are located overseas, or other locations where they cannot be seen in-person before purchase.
• Watch for sellers who only ask for a promise that the puppy is going to a "good home." (Most legitimate breeders and dog rescue groups do detailed interviews before considering placing a dog in a new home).

Corbett urged prospective dog buyers to carefully research breeds and talk to breeders or rescue groups in their area, who can help guide them toward legitimate sellers away from scams.   Consumers with questions or complaints about scams can contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555 or file an online consumer complaint.

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