GREENSBORO, N.C. — If you're in the market for a puppy to give this Christmas, it may mean that you're looking online, and right about now, you're feeling the stress of making sure you get the dog.
Let me give you a word of warning about the puppy scams out there. Getting pictures of the dogs is the way scammers lure you in. You get so caught up in the cuteness and you let your guard down. Before you put money towards a dog always ask for a video chat, so you can see the dog in real time.
A LIVE VIDEO CHAT WITH THE SELLER TO SEE THE DOG IS A MUST!
This is non-negotiable. If the seller won't do it, don't buy the dog. If they can sell dogs online, they can do a video chat. The only people who can't make this happen, but can ask you for money, is a scammer.
"If there starts to be additional fees, like an additional crate, insurance, that can be a big red flag when those fees get added on," said Kelsey Coleman, BBB.
The Better Business Bureau has a whole list of recommendations for not getting scammed out of your money and out of a dog this holiday.
Avoid wiring money or using a cash app or gift card.
These payment methods offer no way to get your money back if it is a scam. Cash apps are popular, but only for people you know... or when i am buying something in person-- i can see the item.
if you're sending money to someone you don't know-- and you dont' have the item-- or in this case-- a dog physically in your hand---don't use it. KATIE CRAIG, PIRG
<...a lot of folks don't know it's instantaneous...once you send hte money you will never see it back.. and that covers fraud issues to simple mistakes like typing in the wrong user name
