A devoted dog lover has been left heartbroken and £1,200 poorer after falling victim to a cruel puppy scam. The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, thought she had found her dream pet online—only to discover she had been conned by sophisticated fraudsters.
The Dream That Turned Into a Nightmare
The victim had been searching for a Cockapoo puppy when she came across an advert on a popular classifieds website. The seller seemed legitimate, providing photos, videos, and even fake vet records. Trusting the process, she transferred £1,200 as a deposit.
Red Flags Ignored
"Everything seemed perfect at first," she recalled. "But when I asked to visit the puppy before finalising the payment, they kept making excuses." Soon after sending the money, the seller vanished—blocking her number and deleting the online profile.
A Growing Problem in the UK
Puppy scams have surged in recent years, with fraudsters exploiting the high demand for pets. Experts warn that buyers should always:
- Meet the seller in person
- See the puppy with its mother
- Check vet records thoroughly
- Avoid paying large deposits upfront
Unfortunately, many victims only realise they’ve been scammed when it’s too late.
Emotional and Financial Toll
"I was devastated," the victim admitted. "Not just because of the money, but because I thought I was finally getting the dog I’d always wanted." She has since reported the incident to Action Fraud, but doubts she’ll ever see her money again.
Authorities urge anyone considering buying a pet online to remain vigilant—and trust their instincts if something feels off.
