We have been hearing some terrible stories of people buying puppies from "breeders" only to find out that it is all a scam and they have lost their money plus had their heart broken too. So we thought we would share this useful warning from the Australian Association Of Pet Dog Breeders of which we are members.

Buyer Beware

The world is advancing constantly with new technology , training and knowledge, and so this also increases the level of threat, people now have an extremely high advantage  and access to the world wide web,  training and resources to use the web is also available online.

Scammers are either self taught or trained to scam potential buyers by falsely advertising goods for sale that do not even exist.

Sadly this horrible con has now become an everyday threat when families are looking to purchase a new member, Puppy purchasers are now the latest target for scammers.

Scammers are falsely providing AAPDB Member Numbers on all Advertising Site’s, some have even been clever enough to also provide the actual members name’s.

AAPDB has recently created our own Advertising Platform on our website to try to stop this fraudulent activity happening to our Valued members. This site is available to the general public and is only accessible to Fully Audited Members.

IF you  become aware that you yourself have been scammed or someone is using your member number to scam other people then please contact your local police and then contact the AAPDB.

We are taking this matter very seriously as an enormous amount of people have become Victims of the latest scam , all proven scams will be reported to all relevant agencies in all relevant states.

 

Please follow the most important rule:

IF IT LOOKS OR SOUNDS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE THEN IT PROBABLY IS!

1. Make sure you are speaking to a person.
2. Once contact has been made ,speak to the person directly.
3. Please do not organise to buy your puppy via text message or via email alone.
4. Ask for Pictures.
5. Ask for recommendations.
6. Ask for Identification.
7. Ask to see Member Verification.
8. Ask for the microchip number.
9. Ask to speak to the Vet Clinic that has Vaccinated the puppy and completed the Puppy Health check.
10. Most scammers do not offer the option to pick up your puppy in person, ask if this option is available.
11. If possible pick your puppy up directly from the breeder.
12. DO NOT deposit money into any accounts until you are certain you are not being scammed.
13. DO NOT put money into any weird bank accounts,
14. DO NOT send money via wire or money transfer.
15. Especially do not deposit money into any ATM or perform card less cash.
16. Do Not buy gift cards and provide people with numbers.
17. Please be careful, we know it is exciting to finally find your new family member but please be sure that there is a Puppy that actually does exist before your buy it.
18. IF you sense a false security ,or something does not feel quite right, Stop all communication immediately, the puppy is not real and you WILL lose your money.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has some great articles and scam lists. Just type in Puppy Scams.

Scamwatch is an Australia Wide Site but every State and Territory in Australia also has it’s own site, these sites will list most current scams but is definitely not a complete or final list of all scams.

one in particular Don’t Fall for a Scammers Puppy Dog Eyes is a great read for everyone.

Scamnet in Western Australia has just managed to close down several  puppy scam websites.

they have a great page on Kitten and Puppy Scams .

IPATA has an enormous list of scammers websites and email addresses of pet scammers, the list is currently up to the beginning of March 2019 but is in no means a complete list, just because a name does not appear on the list this does not mean it is not a scam.

If you have been a victim of a scam or you know of anyone else that has fallen Victim to a scam ,please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800333000. It is not OK to be scammed and unless these problems are reported the problem will continue to rise.

AAPDB Members are expected to abide by our Code Of Ethics and will treat you with respect.

1. You WILL receive follow up care.
2. You WILL speak to a real person.
3. You WILL have the option to pick your puppy up personally.
4. You will have assurance that your puppy has been well cared for.
5. Your Puppy WILL already be de-sexed or a de-sexing Voucher will be provided with your Contract of Sale.