Sterling Resident Victim Of Online Puppy Scam

STERLING, VA — A Sterling resident was a victim of a recent pet scam when they paid for a puppy they never received, police told Patch.

The victim reported to police July 11 that they found an ad online for a puppy. The victim contacted the seller and was instructed to send money via Western Union, police said. After sending the money, the victim never received the puppy.

The seller then requested more money from the victim for "insurance" to ship the puppy. The seller told the victim that they have to pay more, or else animal services would be called for "animal abuse/neglect," police said.

The victim then realized the incident was a scam and contacted police.

The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association warns of pet scammers that use free websites, Craig's list, local newspapers or Facebook to advertise pets that don't exist. The organization says to be especially cautious if the seller wants payment through Western Union, MoneyGram or a similar service.

Pixabay Photo