With Crufts currently underway in Birmingham, Nationwide Building Society is urging those looking to purchase an animal to be wary as pet scams continue to rise.
The number of purchase and advance fee1 scams involving pets rose by 39 per cent between 2020 and 2021, according to member data from Nationwide. It comes at a time when pet ownership has rocketed due to lockdown and changing work habits.
During the last six months of 2021, the average amount lost to reported scams involving pets was around £1,400.
According to a separate Nationwide poll2 of 2,000 people, nearly three in ten (29%) admit they have been or know someone who has been the victim of a pet scam. This rises to 45 per cent of those aged 16 to 24 and nearly a third (31%) of 25 to 34s.
For the vast majority (66%) of those, the scams involved dogs, although nearly a quarter (22%) said it involved cats. However, the Nationwide research also suggests that it goes beyond the two staple household pets, with fish, rabbits, birds and even horses also being the focus of scams.
Where to buy:
Close to six in ten (58%) would purchase a pet via the website of an animal organisation, such as the RSPCA or Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, while 45 per cent would consider buying through a reputable breeder. However, more than one in ten (12%) would use a social media site, such as Facebook, to look for a pet, and one in ten (10%) would look to purchase an animal on general classified sites, such as Gumtree.
Animal deposits:
Worryingly, nearly a third (32%) of people say they would be willing to pay a deposit before they actually met the animal, rising to more than half (55%) of those aged 16 to 24. However, according to the poll, if people were asked to pay a deposit before meeting the animal either in person or at least through a video call, more than quarter (27%) said they would say no and walk away.
Suspicious adverts:
Being asked for a deposit before meeting the animal is a key concern for many, with nearly two thirds (63%) admitting that it is what would make them suspicious about any pet advert or listing. Other aspects that would make people suspicious include:
- Lack of information about the animal (59%)
- Cost of the pet seems too good to be true (59%)
- Seller wants you to meet the pet at an alternative location (e.g. not the seller’s home) (59%)
- Puppies and kittens are not seen with their mother and the rest of litter (55%)
Payments:
Cash is the most popular way to pay for a pet, with a quarter (25%) of those surveyed saying they would choose this method. A further 16 per cent would send money via bank transfer. However, 22 per cent would choose a credit card and nearly one in five (18%) would pay using PayPal.
Pet scam victim:
If someone were to become a victim of a pet scam, more than two thirds (69%) would call the police first, while 43 per cent would contact their bank or building society with the same number (43%) calling the RSPCA. Nearly two in five (39%) say they would contact the place where the listing or advert is posted.
Nationwide Scam Checker Service:
Nationwide has educational information available online about scams to help people protect themselves. In addition, the Society launched a Scam Checker Service in September last year that enables its members to check a payment they are worried about either in branch or by calling a 24/7 freephone number (0800 030 4057). If the payment is given the go ahead and the member is subsequently scammed, Nationwide will fully reimburse the loss.
Talking to members gives them time to stop and think about the risks before completing a payment because Nationwide’s data shows that speaking to members before they make a payment might be able to help identify and stop up to two thirds (65%) of attempted scams each year.
Ed Fisher, Head of Fraud Policy at Nationwide Building Society, said: “Criminals are constantly looking for new opportunities to scam people out of their money. Over the last couple of years we’ve seen these types of scams grow, although while the stories change, the underlying scam follows a similar pattern. Our research suggests it’s dogs that are often used in these types of scams, with people potentially willing to spend a significant amount of money to secure the breed they want. In the end, it’s another sad example of criminals using fake photos to lure people into handing over their money for something exciting or desirable without necessarily taking enough precaution.
“We urge people to be cautious when they are looking for a pet and to stick to trusted animal websites or use reputable breeders or outlets. It’s important that people go and visit the animal in person before they part with any money, because just seeing a photo or a listing doesn’t necessarily mean that the animal is owned by the seller or is for sale. And pay attention to how the seller or advert is making you feel. A pet may be a wonderful companion, but if you’re feeling like you need to act quickly to secure the perfect pet that seems almost too good to be true, then make sure you check it thoroughly first.”
Tips to avoid becoming a victim of a pet scam
- Do your research, especially if using a new website or buying from an unknown seller.
- If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t be rushed into making any decisions. If unsure, walk away or contact Nationwide’s Scam Checker Service to discuss before paying.
- Never pay for an animal, or even a deposit, until you’ve seen it in person (or at least via a video call).
- If you are purchasing a young animal, make sure you ask to see it with its mother and litter.
- Try and pay with a credit card or an online system, such as PayPal, to provide more protection in case it is a scam.
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