Puppy scams: Phony ads used to victimize pet shoppers

MILWAUKEE — The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be on the lookout for pet scams online, according to an article released Tuesday.

As more and more consumers turn to online shopping to find their furry friends, more scams are popping up. An estimated 80 percent of sponsored advertisements about pets may be fake, according to the BBB.

The BBB International Investigations Initiative conducted a study on online puppy scams, and published some tips for how to avoid being scammed by these advertisements.

Researchers recommend to never buy a pet without seeing it in person, never pay a stranger with a money order or through Western Union or Moneygram, always use a credit card in case there is a need to dispute charges and to research prices before adopting.

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