Scam! Puppy Buyer Beware!!!

PUPPY BUYER BEWARE!

In the chaos of the pandemic everyone is looking for a little puppy love! Unfortunately, in the world we live in, the increase in demand for pups has also brought out rapidly increasing puppy scammers who are looking to play on emotions and take money from those who are so desperate for four-legged companionship! The BBB, AKC and Royal Flush Havanese are warning all potential puppy buyers to be careful! These scammers have tripled compared to past years amidst the Covid-19 outbreak! Pet scams are now at least 25% of online scams and more than 70% of people end up losing their money. The post below is to help guide you through these trying times to help ensure you bring home an amazing healthy, happy tail wagging pup!

RED FLAGS:

1. PRICE IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE:
   1. Be sure to research pricing prior to committing! Healthy, well-bred pups typically come with a pricey cost. This is a “you get what you pay for” scenario! If you run across a site/person with a deeply discounted pure-bred chances are its fraud.
2. NO PHONE CALLS/POOR COMMUNICATION:
   1. A responsible breeder will want to communicate with you prior to selling/taking a deposit on a puppy. Fraudulent sellers are often outside the U.S so they prefer to ONLY communicate via email or through third party apps!
3. STOCK PHOTOS/COPYCAT WEBSITES:
   1. If the photos of the puppy you are looking at can be found on multiple sites, it is a scam. Read the website carefully, many of these spammers will attempt to replicate actual sites, but you can almost always tell they are cut and pasted if you review slowly and pay attention! Do not let photos of adorable pups distract you- this is how they con you!
4. SKETCHY PAYMENT PROCESSING:
   1. If the “seller” is asking you to wire money, send payment by gift cards or through third party sites like Venmo, chances are it is a scam.
      1. These transactions make it extremely difficult to get your money back after you realize there is no puppy.
   2. Credit card payments are always the best when “reserving” a pup. If you do happen to fall for a scam most companies allow you to file charge backs for fraudulent transactions!
5. OFFERS FREE SHIPPING:
   1. To ship a puppy, it cost upwards of $500, if you can even get an airline or person to transport your pup, which is extremely rare during this pandemic!
   2. Shipping is not only dangerous to your pup- it is also a marketing ploy used in these types of scams!

HOW TO SAFELY FIND/CHOOSE A REAL PUP:

1. ANALYZE REVIEWS/REFERRALS/ONLINE PRESENCE:
   1. Check for ample positive reviews and referrals from satisfied families who have purchased.
   2. If they have just one website and no other online presence, chances are it is a scam!
   3. Check out Facebook or other social media outlets.
   4. Check reputable review sites such as Google and the BBB for reviews in which people must be confirmed as clients before posting!
2. TALK TO THE BREEDER/ASK QUESTIONS:
   1. Always talk to the breeder. Any responsible breeder will be happy to talk Havanese with you as well as answer any questions about the breed and her program! Remember, we want to know you as much as you want to know us! Any knowledgeable breeder will be happy to share any and everything you may want to know about their breed! Be sure to ask questions- such as: what are the breeds traits? How big are the parents? Can I see photos? What is the temperament like? Any real breeder will know that answers to these basic questions!
   2. If you speak to someone on the phone be mindful of excuses! If someone says “medical information is confidential” that’s not true!
3. CONFIRM THEY ARE REGISTERED/GET DOCUMENTATION:
   1. Before exchanging money confirm that you are talking to a real person! Most breeders must register with their town hall or local Department of Environmental Management agency. Call to see if they are registered.
   2. Check out their Google and Better Business Bureau listings- this will tell you how long they have been breeding/in business.
   3. Call the American Kennel Club! If their dogs are registered the AKC will have a record of them and how long they have been breeding.

Unfortunately, we live in a world where so many wish to prey on the emotions of those looking for a little puppy love! Here at Royal Flush Havanese, will always be here to help you be vigilant about the above warning signs and provide amazing, happy, healthy Havanese! If you think you may have been a victim or have run into a fake website please report it to the Federal Trade Commission, the BBB Scam Tracker, and Google!