Avoid Puppy Scams on National Pet Day

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—On National Pet Day, Attorney General Ashley Moody is providing tips for Floridians to avoid falling for puppy scams. The Better Business Bureau reports that the average monetary losses to such schemes are rising, even as cases are on the decline. Attorney General Moody is urging consumers to be cautious when searching for a new furry friend.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “On National Pet Day, I am urging Floridians to be careful when searching for a new, four-legged family member. Scammers may try to take advantage of consumers when looking to purchase a puppy—I’m issuing tips and a new infographic designed to help future pet owners avoid falling for scams.”

Attorney General Moody lists important tips to help consumers avoid puppy scams:

• Meet the puppy before purchase to make sure it is in good living condition and does not have any obvious preexisting health issues;
• Be wary of online sales that seem too-good-to-be-true—they probably are;
• Reverse image search pictures of the animal to see if they are just stock photos;
• Know that a legitimate seller will never require payment by gift card, wire transfer service or cryptocurrency—use a credit card when possible for the added protections;
• Make sure that a pet store can provide proper paperwork, specify breeders and clearly list the transportation history of the puppy; and
• Carefully read the language of a contract.

Attorney General Moody is also releasing a new infographic that consumers can easily reference when looking to buy a new pet:
 
Consumers can file complaints about pet-related scams or other types of fraud by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.

New pet owners should know that any canine offered for sale in Florida must have a Florida Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. For more information about the Florida Pet Law, enforced by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, click here.