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Companion Animal Network Australia calls for vigilance and action as pet scams soar

VICTORIAN PUPPY SCAM

Australians have been urged to watch out for puppy scammers duping people into paying for pets they never see. Credit: AAP

For many, puppies or other pets are hard to resist and that’s what a new breed of scammers are counting on. The number of people who've been robbed through an online puppy purchase is on the rise.


Key Points
  • According to Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, in 2021, more than 3,300 pet scams were reported in Australia.
  • In total, costing upwards of $4 million.
  • Some of those who fall victim to these large syndicates are often people looking to rescue animals online.

Now, victims and organisations are coming together to share their stories and call for more action against cyber theft this Scams Awareness Week this November 7-11.

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