Grandmother cheated out of $1800—learn how this puppy scam could affect you next
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Disclaimer: The name ‘Lily’ is a pseudonym used to protect the individual's identity. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
In a world where the internet has become a central hub for commerce and connection, it's disheartening to hear stories of individuals who fall victim to online scams, especially when they involve the emotional investment of adding a furry friend to the family.
A Perth grandmother, affectionately known as Lily* experienced this firsthand when her search for a puppy companion for her grieving rescue dog, Bella, became a financial and emotional nightmare.
Lily's* ordeal began innocently enough: She intended to find a small dog to help Bella cope with losing another pet.
She found a social media post advertising a four-month-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which seemed the perfect fit.
The seller claimed to have moved to Geraldton, a considerable distance from Perth and was looking to rehome the puppy.
After exchanging emails and completing a questionnaire to ensure a good match, Lily* agreed to a $950 price.
‘They said they would arrange delivery and that I needed to pay a $600 deposit,’ she said.
‘I paid the $600, then got an email from the carriage provider transporting the dog to Perth that it was hot and needed an air-conditioned crate.’
However, the situation quickly escalated when Lily* was informed that the puppy required an air-conditioned crate for transport due to the heat, costing an additional $1200.
Despite her hesitation and the seller's lack of response, Lily*, concerned for the puppy's well-being, paid the fee.
The final red flag came when she was asked for another $850 for pet insurance.
That's when the harsh reality set in: Lily* had been scammed.
The emotional toll of such scams is often as significant as the financial loss.
Lily*'s excitement and desire to provide a companion for Bella and her eagerness to welcome a new pet into her life clouded her judgment.
The realisation of the scam left her feeling sick and questioning her actions.
Despite her efforts to contact her bank and investigate the seller, the money was gone, and so was the hope of a new puppy.
Lily*'s story is common. In Western Australia alone, 41 complaints have been lodged with Consumer Protection this year regarding pet sales, including undelivered dogs and false claims about breed or pedigree.
Additionally, 16 West Australians have reported a combined loss of $24,000 to WA’s ScamNet.
These scams prey on animal lovers, using fake social media profiles and stolen photos to pose as legitimate breeders, often offering pets at enticingly low prices.
‘Preying on animal lovers, these scammers create fake social media profiles, stealing photos and videos of real pets to pose as legitimate breeders and often lure in their victims with cheap prices,’ Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake said.
‘While the $23,000 lost in WA this year may seem like a small amount compared to other types of scams, it’s important to remember this is hard-earned money stolen from people who were desperate to bring a new pet into their lives but were instead met with heartbreak and disappointment.’
We invite you to share your experiences and tips on safely navigating online pet adoptions in the comments below. Let's help each other stay safe and ensure that the only surprises we encounter are the joyful ones that come with responsible pet ownership.
In a world where the internet has become a central hub for commerce and connection, it's disheartening to hear stories of individuals who fall victim to online scams, especially when they involve the emotional investment of adding a furry friend to the family.
A Perth grandmother, affectionately known as Lily* experienced this firsthand when her search for a puppy companion for her grieving rescue dog, Bella, became a financial and emotional nightmare.
Lily's* ordeal began innocently enough: She intended to find a small dog to help Bella cope with losing another pet.
She found a social media post advertising a four-month-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which seemed the perfect fit.
The seller claimed to have moved to Geraldton, a considerable distance from Perth and was looking to rehome the puppy.
$1800 was taken from a Perth grandmother in a puppy scam while attempting to adopt a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Credit: Unsplash
After exchanging emails and completing a questionnaire to ensure a good match, Lily* agreed to a $950 price.
‘They said they would arrange delivery and that I needed to pay a $600 deposit,’ she said.
‘I paid the $600, then got an email from the carriage provider transporting the dog to Perth that it was hot and needed an air-conditioned crate.’
However, the situation quickly escalated when Lily* was informed that the puppy required an air-conditioned crate for transport due to the heat, costing an additional $1200.
Despite her hesitation and the seller's lack of response, Lily*, concerned for the puppy's well-being, paid the fee.
The final red flag came when she was asked for another $850 for pet insurance.
That's when the harsh reality set in: Lily* had been scammed.
The emotional toll of such scams is often as significant as the financial loss.
Lily*'s excitement and desire to provide a companion for Bella and her eagerness to welcome a new pet into her life clouded her judgment.
The realisation of the scam left her feeling sick and questioning her actions.
Despite her efforts to contact her bank and investigate the seller, the money was gone, and so was the hope of a new puppy.
Lily*'s story is common. In Western Australia alone, 41 complaints have been lodged with Consumer Protection this year regarding pet sales, including undelivered dogs and false claims about breed or pedigree.
Additionally, 16 West Australians have reported a combined loss of $24,000 to WA’s ScamNet.
These scams prey on animal lovers, using fake social media profiles and stolen photos to pose as legitimate breeders, often offering pets at enticingly low prices.
‘Preying on animal lovers, these scammers create fake social media profiles, stealing photos and videos of real pets to pose as legitimate breeders and often lure in their victims with cheap prices,’ Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake said.
‘While the $23,000 lost in WA this year may seem like a small amount compared to other types of scams, it’s important to remember this is hard-earned money stolen from people who were desperate to bring a new pet into their lives but were instead met with heartbreak and disappointment.’
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