Residents warned of ‘puppy scam’ linked to signs in town

GREENWICH — Greenwich police are advising the public about a possible scam involving “puppies for sale.”

Signs have been spotted around central Greenwich bearing the name and website of a dog breeder, and police said it could be a possible “puppy scam,” according to a recent news release from police.

According to the American Kennel Club, puppy scams have been turning up all over the country.

“Puppy scammers post fake litters online or pretend to be someone they’re not, usually an existing breeder, to take advantage of rising puppy sales. This means that if you aren’t careful, you could find the perfect puppy, send the ‘breeder’ your money, and never receive a puppy or any follow-up communication in return,” according to a warning on the kennel club’s website.

Puppy scammers could also be seeking to obtain personal financial information, like a credit card number, from unsuspecting people looking to buy a dog.

Police said the signs, placed on light poles, connect to a genuine website.

“However, the site owners have since retired, and someone is illegally using their website with an alternative phone number,” according to town police. The signs advertise the sale of miniature goldendoodles.

The Greenwich Police Department is requesting that anyone with information regarding the subjects involved in this scam to contact the Community Impact Section at 203-6188305. Confidential Tips can be left at 203-622-3333 or TIPS@greenwichct.org

According to researchers at Michigan State University, the Better Business Bureau has found that pet scams make up a third of all online shopping scams reported to them, a vast majority involving puppies.