Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a warning to consumers about potential puppy scams during the holiday season. As many people look to gift pets such as puppies and kittens, scammers see an opportunity to exploit this trend.
In recent years, Michigan residents have fallen victim to scams involving non-existent pets or animals with undisclosed health issues and falsified medical records. Nessel's office is currently investigating an individual on the pet adoption website RescueMe.org for allegedly falsifying vaccination records for a sold animal.
"While the holidays inspire many to bring in the joy with a furry friend, it’s important consumers exercise caution when searching for a new pet," said Nessel. "Always thoroughly research any online purchase to ensure you are not the latest victim of a scam."
Scammers often advertise puppies that do not exist or charge excessive fees, using the holiday season as an excuse to avoid in-person visits and demand additional charges.
To help consumers avoid falling prey to these scams, Nessel released a Public Service Announcement in 2022 outlining several tips: ensure the recipient is ready for pet ownership, research breeds and breeders, verify registration claims, avoid purchasing unseen puppies, arrange safe transport, use credit cards for purchases, retain all documents and communications from breeders, and consider adopting from local shelters.
Consumers across the U.S. spend over $1 billion annually on puppies without realizing they may be dealing with scammers or puppy mill operators. Puppy mills are notorious for keeping dogs in poor conditions and often evade regulation by selling through pet stores or online platforms.
For more information on holiday scam alerts or if Michigan consumers believe they have been scammed, they can contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team.