A Georgetown, Texas resident recently fell victim to an online pet scam that resulted in a financial loss of over $2,000.
Velma Mitchell eager to purchase a new dog, found what appeared to be a legitimate advertisement for a purebred puppy at an attractive price.
She contacted the seller, who assured her that the dog would be delivered to her home.
After Mitchell paid the initial amount, additional costs began to arise, with charges for shipping, insurance, and other unexpected expenses.
As the demands for more money continued, Mitchell grew suspicious, and soon realized she had been scammed. The promised puppy never arrived, and attempts to contact the seller were unsuccessful.
Pet scams like the one Mitchell experienced are unfortunately common, with scammers often using heartwarming images and compelling stories to prey on people’s emotional connections to animals.
Experts recommend that potential buyers verify the authenticity of sellers by checking reviews, researching credentials, and ensuring past transactions are legitimate.
They also advise conducting video calls with sellers to verify the pet’s existence and using secure payment methods like credit cards or services that offer buyer protection.
Authorities are investigating Mitchell’s case, though the likelihood of recovering the lost funds remains uncertain.