They do say buying a pet as a present is a bad idea.
But this probably isn't exactly what the old adage tried to get at. South Simcoe police have issued a fraud warning regarding what appears to be an online shopping scam, after a Bradford woman recently lost “several hundred dollars” while attempting to purchase a dog on Facebook Marketplace.
This case of alleged fraud was simple but quite effective: A fake advertisement on the social-media platform featured a Maltipoo puppy. The woman bit and sent half the payment via e-transfer. Then the apparent “seller” stopped communicating with her, police spokesperson Sue Sgambati said.
“The pup was going to be a Christmas gift for her children,” she said. “Buyers beware of online shopping scams.”
On its website, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre lists online shopping scams among several types of fraudulent activity prevalent during the holiday season. Others include the circulation of counterfeit merchandise, identity theft, phishing emails and texts, and charity, internet provider, crypto-investment or romance scams. Prize notifications and Secret Santa pyramid schemes are also circulating.
“Fraudsters pose as genuine sellers and post fake ads for items that do not exist,” the centre said in a statement. “The listing price for almost any item (event ticket, rental, vehicle, puppy) is usually too good to be true. Research before you buy. Whenever possible, exchange goods (in-person) or use your credit card for payment.”
For tips on avoiding scams, visit antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
