2008
Consumer Direct Yorkshire & the Humber is warning consumers of a new scam originating from Africa offering you the chance to adopt a puppy.
4th February 2008
Dog lovers are being duped into paying hundreds of pounds for puppies that do not exist. The conmen in Africa place online ads for pedigree puppies for ‘adoption’ claiming to be based in the UK but in fact based in Cameroon, Africa.
They request the funds to be sent by money transfer then upon receipt claim they will arrange to have the puppy flown and delivered to your door. Once the consumer sends the payment they then request a further fee of £250 for insurance, inoculation fees etc which needs to be paid before delivery can be confirmed. Consumers end up parting with their cash to find that no puppy is going to be delivered.
John Field Consumer Direct Contact Centre Manager says
‘If you are thinking of purchasing a dog, always choose a reputable breeder. There are clubs and schemes available where you can get details of accredited breeders’
Consumer Direct has some tips and advice when considering purchasing a puppy:
- Never buy a puppy on impulse, always make sure you view the puppy before you purchase.
- Choose a reputable breeder, visit the Kennel Club or other organisations for details of your nearest local breeder.
- Ask for a copy of the pup’s pedigree and certificates of hip scoring and eye testing.
- However cute the puppy looks don’t always buy the first one you see, go and look at a number of litters.
- Visit the breeder or the kennels and ask to see the mother and pups together. A reputable breeder or kennel will expect you to request this.
- If possible speak to people who have purchased dogs from the breeder and find out about their temperament.
If you are considering of purchasing a pet, remember there are lots of unwanted animals in rescue homes and shelters that are in need of a loving home.
Scams awareness month begins 1st February and provides consumers with the skills and knowledge necessary to recognise and resist scams. For information on how to avoid becoming a victim you can read the OFT guide to beating the scammers or contact Consumer Direct for advice on 08454 04 05 06.
-ends-
MEDIA enquiries:
Suzanne Kitchen
Tel: 0113 2013604
Mobile: 07795 333187
Email: skitchen@wyjs.org.uk
NOTES
1. Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service funded by government and managed by the Office of Fair Trading. It operates in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Services to offer consumers clear, practical and impartial advice and information.
2. Consumer Direct has around 350 trained advisers in 11 contact centres across England, Wales and Scotland.
3. The eleven partner authorities that make up Consumer Direct Yorkshire and the Humber are: York, East Riding, Hull, North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, Rotherham, West Yorkshire, Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley and North Yorkshire. The service was launched in August 2004.
4. The information and advice helpline is available on a single national telephone number - 08454 04 05 06 from 0800 – 1830 Monday to Friday, and 0900 – 1300 Saturday, excluding bank holidays and public holidays.
5. A Welsh-speaking Consumer Direct service is available on 08454 04 05 05. Minicom users should call 08451 28 13 84.
6. Calls to the Consumer Direct 0845 numbers are charged at no more than four pence per minute from a BT landline. Call charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary. Please check the rate with your phone service provider.
7. Northern Ireland has its own service called ConsumerLine (available on 08456 00 62 62) which is similar to Consumer Direct. Visit the ConsumerLine website.
