A rise of fake pet sales has swept Essex during the coronavirus pandemic.

Essex Trading Standards has warned of crooks taking cash from unsuspecting animal lovers before disappearing without a trace.

Criminals are advertising animals, often puppies and kittens on social media, claiming the pet currently being held somewhere safe or overseas.

The fraudsters are using lockdown as a way of stopping buyers from visiting to look at the animal.

In a post on Facebook, a spokesperson for Essex Trading Standards said: "Upon agreement of a sale, the suspect will usually request an advance payment by money transfer or bank transfer. However, the pet does not materialise.

"The fraudster is then not contactable or will subsequently ask for further advanced payments for courier charges, shipping fees and additional transportation costs. Even if further payments are made, the pet will still not materialise as it is likely to not exist."

Experts have issued the following advice when purchasing a pet:

  • Be cautious if the seller initially requests payment via one method, but later claims that due to ‘issues with their account’ they will need to take the payment via an alternative method such as a bank transfer.
  • Consider conducting research on other information provided by the seller, for example a mobile phone number or email address used by the seller could alert you to any negative information associated with the number/email address online.
  • Request details of the courier company being used and consider researching it.
  • Agree a suitable time to meet face-to-face to agree the purchase and to collect the pet. If the seller is reluctant to meet then it could be an indication that the pet does not exist.
  • A genuine seller should be keen to ensure that the pet is going to a caring and loving new home. If the seller does not express any interest in you and the pet’s new home, be wary.
  • If you think the purchase price is too good to be true then it probably is, especially if the pet is advertised as a pure-breed.
  • When thinking of buying a pet, consider buying them in person from rescue centres or from reputable breeders.

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