AG's warns consumers of fraudsters selling pets online
Staff reports 2:32 p.m.
CONCORD - The Attorney General's Office is warning New Hampshire consumers about several recent reports of internet pet sale scams. The scams involve puppies or kittens that are advertised for sale online. The animals will typically be advertised on a website that appears legitimate and offers purebred puppies and kittens for sale at a low price. The scammers always claim that animals need to be shipped and do not provide on option for in person pickup. Once a consumer sends money to purchase a pet, the scammer will then demand additional money in order to complete the transaction. The most common justifications for the additional payments include specific requirements of the shipping airline (such as a temperature controlled crate), the cost of shipping insurance, and additional paperwork or shots. Consumers never receive the pet they paid for. Scammers will typically insist the consumer pay for the animals and the additional fees using a money transfer service such as Zelle or with gift cards. Most internet pet sale scams operate using a seemingly legitimate website featuring pictures of available dogs usually taken from other legitimate websites. Victims of the scam are at high risk of losing their money because most of these scammers are located overseas. Attorney General Gordon A MacDonald offers the following advice to avoid falling victim to this scam:
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