The pandemic has been a lonely experience for many Australians since it broke out, prompting many to fill the void by looking for a canine companion to adopt. From directly getting in touch with dog breeders, they have shifted to buying dogs online to minimize the risk of catching the virus and limit their contact with other people. Because of this, many potential dog owners have fallen victims to fraudulent and opportunistic cybercriminals who sell dogs that do not exist. This is why many Aussies are now having a difficult time trusting the breeders that they find on the web.
How then can a person adopt a dog if they cannot trust their own breeder?
Adopting Dogs at the Time of the Pandemic
Just as their name suggests, a responsible breeder is someone you can rely on to help you find your new best friend. They will be able to tell you everything you want to know about your breed of choice and provide you with all the resources you need to care for your new companion without hassle.
Before the pandemic, the typical scenario was that you would come over to your breeder’s place, meet the parents and litter of your desired dog, and ask your breeder questions about the breed. When all else is settled, your breeder will complete all the necessary paperwork and then give you the puppy.
Today, it’s a little different. Fortunately, ethical dog breeders have found a way to get creative around the pandemic. Thanks to technology, they have made it possible for you to meet the parents and litter and interact with them without having to meet them face-to-face. Through video conferencing, you can easily communicate with the breeder, take a virtual tour of their home, and trade questions with them. Registrations, paperwork, and payment can also be done online.
But despite the convenience brought about by technology, it also gave rise to online puppy shopping scams. In 2021, Australians lost more than $2.5 million to fake scammers, according to data collected by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. These cybercriminals use a wide range of digital platforms, like fake websites and social networks, to deceive unsuspecting dog buyers. They would make up excuses for not meeting their buyer in person and may even ask for a holding deposit. Their techniques are so advanced that once you’ve been tricked into buying a dog, it is difficult for you, your bank, and even the authorities to track them down.
Some Tips to Help You Avoid an Online Pet Scam Fraud
It is imperative that you see the dog and its parents before anything else. Should your seller use Covid-19 as an excuse, take the initiative and set up a video call. An ethical breeder will always communicate with you via video conferencing or phone before selling you a puppy. If they say they prefer to handle communication by email, look for another breeder.
Scammers will have photos of their puppies posted on their website to convince buyers that the animal exists. These photos are often stolen from legitimate breeders. What you can do is make a reverse image search using online tools, like Google Image Search, Pinterest Visual Search, and Getty Images, to see if the photo has been used for other purposes.
Finally, compare prices. If, for instance, the puppy of your choice is claimed to be purebred, make sure that the seller’s asking price is comparable to those of other similar breeds. It is recommended that you research the price of your desired dog ahead of time, as canines sold at deeply discounted prices are often a sign of a scam.