Puppy scammers have taken advantage of soaring pet demands during Covid-19 and have raked in an astonishing over $3 million since the beginning of this year, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
The increase in reports has been significant, with the ACCC recording 2,544 pet scams from January to 30 September 2021, compared to just 498 complaints in 2019.
An Australian start-up PETspot have made it their mission to take the puppy scammers to battle using technology to create a space that allows safe pet transaction on an online platform.
Run by three University of Technology Sydney alumni, Joseph Commisso, Jeremy Lay, and Nick Figliano, the company independently verifies that breeders are legitimate and guarantees a buyer’s money once a transaction is made.
Mr Figliano, 23, said the reason he started the company was because he was almost scammed out of thousands of dollars while attempting to buy a puppy.
“I realised I was dealing with a scammer before I handed over any money, but many other aren’t so lucky. The industry is purely cash-based and there was no payment system that covers you for pet scams – until now,” he said.
“That’s where PETspot comes in, providing a secure way to pay for a dog or puppy and linking buyers directly with responsible sources. We’ve created Australia’s first payment system that is built specifically for pets.”
Mr Figliano said he’s confident they’re providing consumer guarantees of safe transactions because of their rigorous checks and balances in place, including a strenuous code of ethical fact-checking, proof of registration and identity, and health tests.
RSPCA ACT CEO Michelle Robertson said people should meet the puppy they intend on buying as well as its parents, in order to avoid being scammed.
“Firstly, the RSPCA ACT always encourages people to adopt, not shop. We have many animals at the shelter who are looking for loving homes and would be incredible pets. But, if adopting isn’t an option for you and you decide to buy, please always do your research.
“Puppy mills do exist, and the animals being bred are sometimes kept in horrifically cruel conditions,” she said.
“Never purchase an animal over social media. You need to ensure you have a documented trail to and from the breeder.
“If you’re purchasing in the ACT, the breeder is required by law to have a licence; this ensures the welfare of the animals involved. So, remember, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”
With more than 200 authenticated breeders using the website to date, $3 million worth of puppies and dogs have been bought and sold via PETspot.
Visit thepetspot.com.au for more information, and if you’ve been the victim of a pet scam, you can report it to the ACCC at scamwatch.gov.au
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