N.J. Woman Tries To Order Dog By Mail, Gets Ripped Off: Police

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A New Jersey woman’s attempt to order a dog via mail order was thwarted when the seller failed to ship the canine after being paid, police say.

According to the Nutley Police Department, the would-be pet owner told officers that she ordered a dog via telephone that was advertised in the “Starland Sales.” The resident then sent $610 via Western Union to “Embak Jacob” and was told that the animal would arrive on Aug. 15. However, the prospective pet owner’s transaction was stymied when the dog allegedly never got there.

Western Union reportedly advised the woman that the payment was received and given a confirmation number. The company reportedly agreed to open a fraud case, police said.

Nutley officers advised her about how to obtain a copy of the police report and no further assistance was requested, authorities stated.

The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) states on their website that “pet scam criminals” often use free websites, Craigslist, local newspapers or Facebook to advertise pets that don’t exist.

“Expensive animals, like bulldogs or toy breeds, are offered at very low prices,” the IPATA states. “Animals are offered up for adoption at no cost… all you have to do is pay for the shipping.”

But it’s very likely that the offer is really a scam, the IPATA states.

“These scammers are criminals,” the IPATA writes. “Their goal is to take your money. They will lie, they will tell you sob stories, they will send you pictures of adorable animals, they will assure you of their faith and religion… anything to get your money.”

The ASPCA states that a growing trend among commercial puppy breeders is to cut out the pet shop - the middleman - and use online retailing to get their puppies directly into people’s homes.

“These puppies, bred in facilities commonly known as puppy mills, are housed in cramped, filthy conditions without sufficient veterinary care, food, water or socialization,” the ASPCA asserts. “Purchasing a puppy online typically supports this cruel industry.”

While the ASPCA advises pet owners that “the best way to avoid being scammed is to adopt, not shop,” the organization offers the following tips for those who are looking to buy a dog or cat:

• Always visit. Responsible breeders and rescue groups will be more than happy to offer you a tour.
• Pick your puppy up at the kennel, rather than having the puppy shipped or meeting the seller at a random location.
• Check references, including others who have purchased pets from this breeder and the veterinarian the breeder works with.
• Deal directly with a breeder, not a broker.
• Never send Western Union or money order payments.

Photo: Minda Haas Kuhlmann, Flickr Commons