Latest news with #KateMargolis
The Guardian
15 hours ago
- The Guardian
Puppy peril: that dog you want to buy online may be a scam
You have finally succumbed and decided to let a canine companion into your life – but your search for the perfect pet could put you in the hands of fraudsters. Adverts for puppies pop up all the time on pet selling sites, online marketplaces and social media. They are not all fake, but in among the real Rovers are some faux furry friends. The main scam involves advertising a pet that doesn't exist. You pay the deposit – maybe after a conversation with the 'seller' or even a video call – and then nothing. You may have been given details of a collection point, but if you turn up, you will be disappointed. Kate Margolis, from the Cotswolds, England, was scammed when she was looking for a golden retriever puppy. 'I didn't know much at the time, so I simply Googled 'golden retriever breeder' and found what looked like a really polished website, full of glowing testimonials, professional-looking photos, and even what seemed like credentials and assurances around licensing,' she says. 'I filled out a form on the site, and the breeder called me almost immediately. They sounded knowledgable and walked me through the whole process using all the right terminology, which I didn't understand at the time, but it helped build trust. They told me the litter was due at Christmas and the puppies would be ready to collect in February, but I'd need to put down a deposit to reserve one.' She paid £500 by bank transfer, then the seller went quiet. 'When I eventually chased them, they told me the puppy I had reserved had 'eaten plastic and died'. After that, they vanished. I was left with no puppy, no answers and no refund,' she says. 'Since then, I discovered my story's not unusual … scammers create fake listings with stolen puppy photos, make up heart-tugging backstories, and use every trick in the book to get you to send money fast.' Margolis has since set up an app called Petproov, which UK sellers and buyers can use to verify ID and paperwork. The advert appears genuine – there's a description of the animal and a photo. The seller may say that there is only one of a litter of pups left, to make you feel like you need to act urgently. You may be supplied with all of the answers to your questions, and may even get to 'meet' the animal online in a video call. When the time to pay comes, you will be asked to do so with a bank transfer. Use reputable adoption/rehoming charities and breeders – in the UK the Kennel Club has ended its Approved Breeder programme, so you will need to do your own research. Ask lots of questions. In the UK, the Kennel Club has lots of information about what to ask and what paperwork you should be able to see. So does the RSPCA – it says a good breeder should be happy to complete a Puppy Contract giving full details of the animal you are buying. Check if the photo has been used before. Scammers often steal pictures from other websites to use in their adverts, and a reverse image search on Google will reveal if your prospective pooch's portrait has been used elsewhere. Arrange to visit the puppy in person and with its mother before you commit to anything. Do not be panicked into paying in order to secure a visit. 'Phrases like 'Can you pay now to hold the puppy?' are a common red flag,' says Margolis. 'Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.' Ask for ID and check it, says Margolis. 'A legit breeder should be happy to show ID, vet records, and proof that the pup has been microchipped,' she says.
The Guardian
a day ago
- The Guardian
Puppy peril: that dog you want to buy online may be a scam
You have finally succumbed and decided to let a canine companion into your life – but your search for the perfect pet could put you in the hands of fraudsters. Adverts for puppies pop up all the time on pet selling sites, online marketplaces and social media. They are not all fake, but in among the real Rovers are some faux furry friends. The main scam involves advertising a pet that doesn't exist. You pay the deposit – maybe after a conversation with the 'seller' or even a video call – and then nothing. You may have been given details of a collection point, but if you turn up, you will be disappointed. Kate Margolis, from the Cotswolds, England, was scammed when she was looking for a golden retriever puppy. 'I didn't know much at the time, so I simply Googled 'golden retriever breeder' and found what looked like a really polished website, full of glowing testimonials, professional-looking photos, and even what seemed like credentials and assurances around licensing,' she says. 'I filled out a form on the site, and the breeder called me almost immediately. They sounded knowledgable and walked me through the whole process using all the right terminology, which I didn't understand at the time, but it helped build trust. They told me the litter was due at Christmas and the puppies would be ready to collect in February, but I'd need to put down a deposit to reserve one.' She paid £500 by bank transfer, then the seller went quiet. 'When I eventually chased them, they told me the puppy I had reserved had 'eaten plastic and died'. After that, they vanished. I was left with no puppy, no answers and no refund,' she says. 'Since then, I discovered my story's not unusual … scammers create fake listings with stolen puppy photos, make up heart-tugging backstories, and use every trick in the book to get you to send money fast.' Margolis has since set up an app called Petproov, which UK sellers and buyers can use to verify ID and paperwork. The advert appears genuine – there's a description of the animal and a photo. The seller may say that there is only one of a litter of pups left, to make you feel like you need to act urgently. You may be supplied with all of the answers to your questions, and may even get to 'meet' the animal online in a video call. When the time to pay comes, you will be asked to do so with a bank transfer. Use reputable adoption/rehoming charities and breeders – in the UK the Kennel Club has ended its Approved Breeder programme, so you will need to do your own research. Ask lots of questions. In the UK, the Kennel Club has lots of information about what to ask and what paperwork you should be able to see. So does the RSPCA – it says a good breeder should be happy to complete a Puppy Contract giving full details of the animal you are buying. Check if the photo has been used before. Scammers often steal pictures from other websites to use in their adverts, and a reverse image search on Google will reveal if your prospective pooch's portrait has been used elsewhere. Arrange to visit the puppy in person and with its mother before you commit to anything. Do not be panicked into paying in order to secure a visit. 'Phrases like 'Can you pay now to hold the puppy?' are a common red flag,' says Margolis. 'Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.' Ask for ID and check it, says Margolis. 'A legit breeder should be happy to show ID, vet records, and proof that the pup has been microchipped,' she says.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
New dog owners issued stark warning about their pet
New dog owners issued stark warning about their pet You could have been scammed, and it is easily done Dog owners are being warned to choose carefully (Image: Getty) Dog owners are being warned to be very careful or risk making a big mistake. Speaking to people who are keen to get a new puppy, making them the first pet in the house, or adding a furry pal for your current dog, they warn there are red flags you need to know about. Around this time of year, many people love to introduce a new family member into their home. The reason for this is that it is often the summer and many people are off for the holidays, making it the ideal time to help your new pup adjust. But while you are picturing waggy tails, beach walks, and happy kids in the garden, heartless scammers are rubbing their hands together. Fraudsters know that this is peak puppy‑buying season and experts stress that this makes it the perfect storm - and they are taking full advantage. What type of dog do you have? (Image: Getty) Kate Margolis, pet fraud expert and co‑founder of Petproov, who help people avoid the heart-break of scams, knows this feeling all too well. 'I handed over a £500 deposit for a gorgeous Golden Retriever pup I'd seen online,' says Kate. 'The seller then told me it had 'eaten plastic and died' and they disappeared. I was left with no puppy, no refund, and a huge hole in my heart.' Kate quickly realised that her experience was all too common. Each day, scammers post fake listings using stolen puppy photos, fabricate emotional backstories, and employ a range of tactics to pressure unsuspecting buyers into sending money. In a bid to help others avoid the gut-wrenching feeling of dog heartbreak, she's highlighting five warning signs every family should recognise before placing a deposit. And remember, always report listings you find suspicious. 1. 'Ready to go today" Kate Margolis and Milo (Image: Kate Margolis) Scammers love urgency. They will use phrases like 'Last one left', 'Lots of interest', and 'First come, first served' to push you into paying before you have had time to think. A genuine breeder will never pressure you like this. 2. Recognise that pup? If the puppy picture looks too perfect, it probably is. Many fraudsters swipe photos from Google, Instagram, or even genuine breeder sites. A quick reverse image search can save you hundreds – if the same pup appears in multiple adverts, it is a scam. 3. Video calls can fool you Millions of people across the UK have at least one dog (Image: Paul Baggaley via Getty Images) Article continues below A live video might feel like proof, but scammers are getting smarter. Some are now using pre‑recorded clips or even AI to fake a wagging tail on screen. Always insist on an in‑person visit before handing over money. 4. Ask for ID and verify it Would you buy a car from someone with no name, address or paperwork? Of course not. Legit breeders are happy to provide ID, vet records, and proof of microchipping. 5. Don't bank transfer strangers Once your money's gone, it is gone. Avoid paying anyone you've never met via bank transfer. Use secure payment methods, and if something feels off, walk away.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
'I was puppy scammed and left heartbroken - now I'm helping stop the fraudsters'
Fraudsters are now even using AI to scam people when they look to buy a puppy Dog lovers are being urged to stay alert to avoid falling into a costly, and heart-breaking, trap. Whether you're thinking about bringing home your very first pet or adding a companion for your current furry pal, there are important warning signs you should be aware of. Summer is a popular time for families to welcome a new furry friend thanks to the warmer weather and school holidays. Because of this, it's often seen as the perfect moment to help a pup settle in. But while you're dreaming of playful pups, family fun and sunny strolls, scammers are on the lookout. With demand for puppies at a seasonal high, fraudsters are seizing the opportunity and experts say it's the ideal scenario for scams. Kate Margolis, pet fraud expert and co‑founder of Petproov, who help people avoid the heart-break of scams, knows this feeling all too well. 'I handed over a £500 deposit for a gorgeous Golden Retriever pup I'd seen online,' says Kate. 'The seller then told me it had 'eaten plastic and died' and they disappeared. I was left with no puppy, no refund, and a huge hole in my heart.' Kate soon realised she wasn't alone and sadly, her experience is shared by many. Every day, scammers create fake puppy listings using stolen photos, made-up sob stories and use high-pressure tactics to convince people to hand over their money. Hoping to spare others the heartbreak she went through, Kate is now sharing five key red flags every family should watch for before paying a deposit. And if you spot anything suspicious, make sure to report it. 1. 'Ready to go today" Scammers thrive on creating a sense of urgency and will say things like 'only one left,' 'getting loads of interest,' or 'first come, first served' to rush you into making a payment without thinking it through. A trustworthy breeder will never pressure you like that. 2. Recognise that pup? If the puppy photo looks flawless, that's a red flag. Scammers often steal images from Google, Instagram and real breeder websites. Doing a quick reverse image search could save you a lot of money and if you spot the same photo in several listings, it's a scam. 3. Video calls can fool you A live video might seem convincing, but scammers are getting more sophisticated. Some use pre-recorded footage, or even AI, to fake a wagging tail on screen. To be safe, always arrange an in-person visit before making any payments. 4. Ask for ID and verify it Would you buy a car from someone without a name, address or any paperwork? Probably not. Reputable breeders should have no problem sharing ID, vet documents and microchip details and if they do, walk away. 5. Don't bank transfer strangers Once your money's sent, there's often no getting it back. Avoid sending bank transfers to people you haven't met in person. Stick to secure payment methods and if anything feels suspicious, trust your instincts and walk away.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'I paid £500 for a dog - but what the seller did next broke my heart'
Kate has shared her experience that left her devastated and £500 short (Image: Getty) It's the summer school holidays, and for many families, that means one thing: time to finally get that puppy the kids have been begging for. After all, the weather's warmer, parents have more time at home, and long summer evenings are perfect for first walks. But while you're picturing waggy tails, beach walks, and happy kids in the garden, heartless scammers are rubbing their hands together. Fraudsters know that this is peak puppy‑buying season. Families are relaxed, emotions are running high, and people are more likely to make fast decisions. It's the perfect storm, and they're taking full advantage. Kate Margolis, pet fraud expert and co‑founder of knows the heartbreak firsthand. In a warning to others considering buying a dog online, she recalled her experience that left her devastated and £500 short. "I handed over a £500 deposit for a gorgeous Golden Retriever pup I'd seen online," says Kate. "The seller then told me it had 'eaten plastic and died' and they disappeared. I was left with no puppy, no refund, and a huge hole in my heart." Kate soon discovered that her story is far from unusual. Every day, scammers create fake listings with stolen puppy photos, invent heart‑tugging backstories, and use every trick in the book to get unsuspecting buyers to part with their cash quickly. It's crucial to thoroughly vet them and the puppy's background "Ready to go today" Is the puppy 'too perfect'? Video calls can fool you Ask for ID and verify it Don't bank transfer strangers Kate explains: "Scammers love urgency. They'll use phrases like 'last one left', 'lots of interest, and 'first come, first served' to push you into paying before you've had time to think. A genuine breeder will never pressure you like this." She also said that if the puppy picture looks too perfect, it probably is. She said: "Many fraudsters swipe photos from Google, Instagram or even genuine breeder sites. A quick reverse image search can save you hundreds – if the same pup appears in multiple adverts, it's a scam." A live video might feel like proof, Kate warns, but scammers are getting smarter. "Some now use pre‑recorded clips or even AI to fake a wagging tail on screen. Always insist on an in‑person visit before handing over money," she said. Remember that owning a dog is a long-term commitment Stressing the importance of checking ID, Kate added: "Would you buy a car from someone with no name, address or paperwork? Of course not. Legit breeders are happy to provide ID, vet records, and proof of microchipping." Kate also emphasised that once your money is gone, it's gone. "Avoid paying anyone you've never met via bank transfer. Use secure payment methods, and if something feels off, walk away," she said. Focus on breeders who are open about their breeding methods, conduct health tests on their dogs, and ensure their puppies are well-socialised. Look for breeders who are part of a reputable breeder scheme, as they undergo inspections and are monitored by authorities. Feel free to inquire with breeders about their breeding methods, the health records of the puppy's parents, and how the puppies are socialised. According to Pets4homes, meeting the breeder and the puppies in person is crucial to evaluating the environment and the puppies' condition. Be cautious of breeders who push you to make a hasty decision or seem too eager to sell. Shelters and rescue groups usually offer a mix of breeds and ages, including puppies. Adoption fees are typically less than what you'd pay to a breeder, and they often include vaccinations, microchipping, and sometimes even spaying or neutering, according to the RSPCA. By adopting from a shelter, you contribute to decreasing the number of dogs that need homes. If you think you've been scammed, it's really important to move fast to reduce any losses and avoid more damage. Start by reaching out to your bank or payment provider right away to let them know what happened and possibly halt any transactions that are still going. Next, make sure to report the scam to the right authorities, like Action Fraud in the UK. Lastly, safeguard your accounts and personal info by updating your passwords and keeping an eye on your credit report.
