Fake puppy scams more widespread during COVID
Thousands of families across the country are viewing this time of lockdowns and restrictions as an opportunity to welcome a new four-legged addition to their families – for support, for comfort, and for extra companionship while stuck at home.
Now it seems that just as many ruthless scammers are viewing it as an opportunity to separate the unwary from their hard-earned savings.
The most recent high-profile victim to fall prey to this type of “puppy scam” that’s on the rise is former AFL player Andrew Leoncelli, who played 146 games for the Melbourne Demons as a midfielder.
When interviewed by 7NEWS, Leoncelli admitted that while in lockdown in Melbourne, “COVID brain got me”, and so he went online to look for a puppy to buy for his family. After spotting a particularly adorable Staffordshire on Gumtree, he shelled out almost $3,000 to the Hobart-based seller named “Sarah”.
But he gradually grew suspicious after repeated phone calls went unanswered, and then his worst fears were confirmed. “Sarah turned into a man and there was no dog,” Leoncelli told 7NEWS. “I feel silly but hopefully other people can learn this lesson and just hold off on the emotion of the lockdown period.”
The incident is currently under investigation, with a Victoria Police spokesperson telling the Herald Sun: “It is understood a victim believed they bought a Staffordshire bull terrier puppy from a website and made a substantial deposit payment. Once they paid the deposit the online business ceased all contact, leaving the victims without a puppy or their money back.”
A national crackdown on puppy farms coupled with the increased demand for furry, four-legged friends during the pandemic has create a legitimate shortage of puppies – and unwary people are taking more risks to secure one for themselves.
So, remember the golden rule during these uncertain times: if it looks too good to be true, it almost certainly is.