Pet fraud warning

COUNTY community crime-fighting chiefs are warning of a scam involving pedigree pets offered online.

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) and Action Fraud have recently noticed a rise in the reporting of pets, in particular puppies and kittens, being advertised for sale via popular auction websites.

Now Neighbourhood Watch Leicestershire is spreading the word to help prevent people in Hinckley and Bosworth from falling victim.

The scam works by fraudsters placing an advert of the pet for sale, often claiming that the animal is held somewhere less accessible or even overseas.

Upon agreement of a sale, the suspect will usually request an advance payment by money transfer or bank transfer, as is typical in these types of online cons.

However, the pet does not materialise and the fraudster will subsequently ask for further advanced payments for courier charges, shipping fees and additional transportation costs.

Even if further payments are made, the animal will still not turn up as it is likely to not exist.

People are advised to ensure they carry out diligent checks when seeking to buy a pet advertised through websites, including any breeding paperwork is seen if the animal is said to come from pedigree stock.

It’s always best to view the animal in person before committing to buy, and if possible, viewing the parents. Try and source reputable breeders or, better still, adopt an abandoned pet from a rescue centre.