Traditional and online classified pet adverts have the same warm allure — huggable pups and kittens that tug at our heartstrings. But, lurking behind these cute images may be a grim reality. Adopting pets online has become an easy matter of a few clicks, yet the digital pet marketplace hides a deceitful world, cloaked in lies and deception.
Digital Deception on Pet Adoption Platforms
A new breed of fraudsters has infiltrated the digital pet market, preying on empathy-driven shoppers seeking a new family member. These cybercriminals typically pose as breeders or pet owners who need to rehome their beloved pets due to crises or unforeseen circumstances.
With the surge in pet adoptions during the pandemic, the problem has multiplied. “The explosion of pet scams is alarming,” warns CEO of Enlivy, a company dedicated to educating consumers about such scams Robert Rusu,
Key indicators of scam pet adoption websites are:
*Price: If the cost appears too good to be true, it probably is.
*Payment: Scammers usually demand money orders, wire transfers, or cryptocurrencies as these are more challenging to trace.
*Delivery: Delivery delays are common, with fraudsters asking for additional charges due to unforeseen issues.
*Personal Interaction: Scammers will avoid face-to-face meetings, instead opting for online interactions or phone calls.
*Pressure Tactics: They might urge prospective buyers to act quickly, claiming other interested parties are in the queue.
Untangling the Web of Lies
“Every scam has its red flags,” Rusu points out. He suggests potential adopters to heed these pointers to avoid falling into a scam:
- Ensure a physical visit to the breeder or pet owner before finalizing the adoption. Seeing the pet and its living conditions can reveal a lot.
- Read online reviews and verify the breeder or seller’s credibility.
- Demand breed or health certificates to ensure the pet’s health and legitimacy. Scammers often lack such documentation.
- Never make any payment before seeing the pet. Scammers often disappear once they receive the funds.
Community Initiatives
Rusu believes in community awareness as a critical tool to fight these scams. “Educating people about pet scams is only the first step. We need community participation and law enforcement to join hands and wipe out this menace,” says Rusu. He encouraged adopters to report any scams and suspicious activities to local law enforcement agencies to help others from falling prey to such tactics.
To reiterate Rusu’s suggestion, one should take a proactive stand against such deceitful practices. Scams thrive in ignorance, and informed choices may help beat these predators at their own game.
Every time you wish to invite a new pet family member, remember these lines from Rusu, “Your joy of welcoming a new pet should not be clouded by scams. Always be mindful of the signs. Your awareness could save another innocent pet lover from falling into the trap. Let’s help each other in building a safer community for our beloved pets.”
– https://enlivy.dev
