Police warn about Norfolk County puppy scam

Provincial police are warning the public about an alleged scam involving puppies being sold online.

OPP say someone in Norfolk County called them on Monday to report a fraud.

They say the person had seen an ad online for a puppy for sale, and was asked to send a 350-dollar down payment through e-transfer.

But when the person went to the address listed on the ad in Waterford Ont., the homeowner had no idea that it was being used to sell animals online.                                       

The OPP said, in a press release, "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. 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 OPP offers these seven tips to avoid 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 its website, call its customer service hotline, and read its 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.
• Alaways try to deal locally when buying or selling anything or of high-value.
• Don't 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.