Beware of puppy scams

[Catherine]

There have been puppy scams before now, but with the pandemic the scammers use the virus  as an excuse for not letting a buyer actually see the puppy. 
People have paid out thousands of dollars and there is no puppy. There are a number of requests for more money and then they never hear from the seller again.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/corona...f9540f46dd

These scams are happening in a number of countries. There may be local variations, but the basic scam is the same. There is a picture of a very cute puppy. 
The person can't come and see the puppy because of the virus. A deposit  must be sent and then other fees and eventually all contact is lost and the person never gets a puppy.  I some scams the person is given an address. The address is either an empty lot or the home of someone who know nothing about the scam.

I know a picture of a cute puppy can be very compelling and the desire to have that puppy can cloud our judgement. Any time you shop on line be careful. Try to verify a web site. If there is a large amount of money involved, insist upon seeing the puppy in person. Be suspicious if the seller refuses any chance of seeing the puppy and seems to ask for more money for various reasons.  

Better than shopping online for a puppy, contact a local shelter and adopt a dog or a puppy. It will cost you less and you will be giving a home to an animal that needs you.