Latest news with #Petproov
Wales Online
3 days 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
3 days 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.
