Peak Global Management Japan Report: The Online Strategy Pet Lovers Should Know
Animal companionship is one of the greatest ways to kill loneliness. Many pet lovers decide to adopt a stray animal or buy a pet. From dogs and cats to guinea pigs, or exotic birds there are countless options to choose from. Moreover, it’s easier than ever to get or buy a pet these days. However, criminals are always lurking in the dark. And they are even ready to prey on lonely and good-willed people who long for a pet. Here is a popular pet scam you should be aware of if you want to get a furry friend.
Where Does the Pet Scam Take Place?
Just like many other scams and frauds, this one also takes place online. It is easier for scammers to operate this way because they avoid face-to-face interaction. Therefore, the risk of being recognized and caught is reduced. Moreover, if they are tech-savvy, they can erase their traces almost completely.
Many fake websites have been created in recent years simply to steal money from consumers. Despite their number, it is hard for authorities to track and catch the authors. Even more so, most of these websites look professional and perfectly legit. For this reason, visitors don’t even doubt them and rush to purchase products or services there.
This is also the case of fake breeder or pet seller websites. Cybercriminals create these sites and make them look professional. Then, they start luring victims, which often happens through online ads or social medial. Afterward, when a potential buyer reaches out, they respond immediately. Finally, the aim is to collect money from victims. Obviously, the purpose is to offer nothing in exchange.
Besides fake websites that promise to sell pets, there are also fake shops with pet accessories. So, the main tip when browsing online is to make sure where you buy from. To do this, check out the company’s registration details and address. You should find these details on multiple websites if you’re dealing with a real company.
How Does the Scam Work?
Usually, individuals who pull off this sort of scam operate similarly. Therefore, if you do a bit of research and you’re cautious, you can stay safe. Although most fake websites have a professional look, there are some red signs. Primarily, you can spot them in the seller’s attitude and strategy. Here is how the pet scam usually unfolds.
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The Structure
A pet scam is usually a two-step process. In fact, plenty of online scams are based on two stages: the hook and the sting.
The Hook
The hook is what its name suggests. The luring offer that aims to attract potential buyers. In the case of prospective pet owners, this can take many forms. Sometimes, conmen use pictures and videos with animals they steal from legitimate pet websites. These feature lovable furry creatures that are waiting for an owner.
Another common hook is the pedigree. Some people highly value this aspect. Not only do they want a dog, but they also want a select one. Even if this means a significant amount of money, they’re ready to invest in certain breeds or an excellent pedigree. These are scammers’ predilect targets because they can bring higher profits.
Many times, scammers even leverage the emotional element involved in the pet buying or adoption process. They know that their victims love animals. Therefore, they can come up with moving stories. For example, puppies that have recently lost their mother or their former owner. These animals need a new owner as quickly as possible. Scammers often rely on a sense of emergency.
They either claim they can’t keep those animals for too long or that there are many potential buyers. Either way, they urge victims to act fast.
The Sting
Once a connection exists between scammers and victims, it’s time to nurture the relationship. The future pet owner gets all sorts of promises and guarantees. However, as it often happens in online deals, they need to show they’re serious too. Therefore, simply agreeing to buy or adopt a pet is not enough.
The fake pet seller needs a deposit to rest assured the buyer is serious. Once the victim transfers an initial amount of money, the scam often continues. Naturally, the pet is not theirs yet. To get it, the buyer needs to be patient and wait. Then, some urgent situation comes up.
For example, the seller asks for extra money claiming there was a problem with the transport. Alternatively, they ask for more fees for the animal’s documentation, vaccination, or other vet-related expenses.
Often, victims stop upon the second money transfer request. By then, they realize the business is shady and they ask for a refund for their first transfer. Yet, this never happens as scammers simply refuse to answer and vanish.
Where Do Pet Scams Usually Take Place?
If you are wondering where these scams usually occur, the answer is big countries. The USA, Canada, or Australia are often the scenes. This choice is not random because people in these countries often buy pets online. Therefore, if you live in one of them, remember what you’ve just read next time you buy a pet.
Article by, Peak Global Management Japan.
