Puppy scams are a growing problem on Facebook. Scammers often create fake profiles and post photos of adorable puppies that they claim are for sale. They then ask potential buyers to send them money via PayPal or Western Union. Once the money is sent, the scammers disappear and the buyers are left with nothing.
1. How to Spot a Puppy Scam
There are a few things you can do to spot a puppy scam:
- Be wary of profiles that are new or have very few friends. Scammers often create fake profiles to post puppy scams.
- Be suspicious of photos that are too perfect. Scammers often use stolen photos of puppies to make their posts seem more appealing.
- Never send money to someone you don’t know. If you’re interested in buying a puppy, only send money to a reputable breeder or shelter.
2. What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you’ve been scammed by a puppy scammer, there are a few things you can do:
- Report the scam to Facebook. You can do this by clicking on the “Report” link next to the post.
- Contact your bank or credit card company. You may be able to get your money back if you paid for the puppy with a credit card.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC is a government agency that investigates puppy scams and other types of fraud.
Puppy scams are a serious problem, but you can protect yourself by being aware of the signs and taking steps to avoid them. If you’ve been scammed, don’t be afraid to report it and seek help from your bank or the FTC.
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