Beware! Pet Sales Ripoff During COVID-19 Pandemic

Health Editor’s Note: I received this from the Michigan Attorney General, but suspect that this is happening in all states, where we have people who have decided to get rich off of the COVID-19 pandemic.  All puppies, dogs, cats, and kittens are wonderful and will become much loved family members, but puppies and dogs, cats and kittens from rescues and human societies, and local shelters need homes and make wonderful companions also. Why breed more dogs and cats when we have all kinds of packages of love already here and in need of homes?  Wherever you get your new family member from, do your homework and save yourself unneeded distress…..Carol

AG Nessel, Humane Society of the United States Warn Consumers of Heightened Puppy Scams During Pandemic

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Humane Society of the United States are urging consumers to be wary of puppy scams as many people seek to purchase or adopt dogs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Given the increased number of those staying at home during the ongoing public health emergency, many are turning to the internet to adopt a furry friend for companionship. The Michigan Department of Attorney General has seen a surge in complaints of internet scammers exploiting this situation. Several Michiganders have recently been tricked into paying for pets that do not exist. And, because these thieves are often outside the country, the prospects of getting money back are extremely low.

“Scammers are looking for any way to take advantage of consumers during this pandemic and puppies are unfortunately not exempt,” Nessel said. “While many people may be eager to bring home a puppy during this time, I urge Michiganders to be vigilant in their search to avoid being scammed. My office continues to prioritize protecting residents from predatory and deceptive business practices, and these puppy scams will ultimately result in heartbreak and financial loss. Always do your homework before making any purchase online to avoid being taken advantage of.”

In addition to the deceptive practices of advertising puppies that do not exist or charging exorbitant fees, scammers are taking advantage of the pandemic as they use it as a reason to avoid in-person visits and demand additional fees.

“Taking advantage of Michiganders by exploiting our love of animals is as cruel to the people as it is to the dogs. We are very grateful to General Nessel’s office for taking this issue seriously,” said Molly Tamulevich, Michigan State Director for the Humane Society of the United States.

Each year, consumers in the U.S. spend more than $1 billion buying puppies without realizing they may be doing business with scammers, puppy mill operators or both. Puppy mills are inhumane, dog breeding operations that keep dogs in overcrowded and unhealthy conditions and, depending on location, many are not regulated or inspected. Breeders hide their poor conditions by meeting buyers at offsite locations or selling through pet stores or online.

Since 2018, the Michigan Department of Attorney General has received nearly 50 complaints of alleged puppy scams – 26 of these complaints came in this year alone.

The Michigan Department of Attorney General previously provided tips to help consumers spot and avoid puppy scams. Consumers should remain hyper-vigilant when purchasing a puppy online. The below best practices can help consumers avoid falling victim to these scams: