Here's how the scheme works...the con artist posts a bogus ad on Craigslist...he or she wants you to think they're selling pure bred pets (i.e. english bulldogs)...they trick you into wiring them several installments of cash for the puppy's airfare and insurance...DON'T EVER WIRE CASH UNLESS YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHO YOU'RE DEALING WITH!
I've included a link to a fraudulent pet shipping website...avoid it at all costs!
http://animaltransportservice.page.tl/
Also, make sure to deal locally...check with your local humane society (http://www.okhumane.org/)
and other animal shelters about adoption (for a complete list...check out www.animalshelter.org)
Another thing...if someone demands you wire them money for pet airfare or insurance, walk away immediately.
I found a good article about the Nigerian puppy scam on the Los Angeles Times' website. http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jun/03/business/fi-consumer3
Check out useful tips below (courtesy of of Craigslist)...
*DEAL LOCALLY WITH FOLKS YOU CAN MEET IN PERSON - follow this one simple rule and you will avoid 99% of the scam attempts on Craigslist.
*NEVER WIRE FUNDS VIA WESTERN UNION, MONEYGRAM or any other wire service - anyone who asks you to do so is a scammer.
*FAKE CASHIER CHECKS & MONEY ORDERS ARE COMMON, and BANKS WILL CASH THEM AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE when the fake is discovered weeks later.
CRAIGSLIST IS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY TRANSACTION, and does not handle payments, guarantee transactions, provide escrow services, or offer "buyer protection" or "seller certification"
NEVER GIVE OUT FINANCIAL INFORMATION (bank account number, social security number, eBay/PayPal info, etc.)
AVOID DEALS INVOLVING SHIPPING OR ESCROW SERVICES and know that ONLY A SCAMMER WILL "GUARANTEE" YOUR TRANSACTION.
Who should I notify about fraud or scam attempts?
FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)
FTC online complaint form
Canadian PhoneBusters hotline: 888-495-8501
Competition Bureau Canada: 800-348-5358
Internet Fraud Complaint Center
Software Piracy (http://www.siia.net/piracy/report.asp)
Non-emergency number for your local police department.
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