Do you want to adopt a dog or a cat? Beware of fraudulent ads that are rampant on social media! Pet adoption is subject to numerous scams on the Internet as well as in fairs and exhibitions. We will explain what these scams involve and how to avoid them.
It is necessary to be particularly vigilant when looking to adopt a cat or a dog. Indeed, scams related to the purchase and adoption of pets have never been as numerous on social networks and online classifieds sites like leboncoin, for example.
In this sector, it is estimated that 70 to 80% of online ads contain errors or fraud attempts. Even seemingly very serious ads, with an I-Cad identification number or a Siren number, can hide scammers who are not real breeders.
As a reminder, I-Cad is the French database that records all microchipped dogs, cats, and ferrets, meaning they are identified with an electronic chip placed under the skin.
Since the ban on animal sales by individuals, many ad authors disguise a sale as a donation. In the ad, they offer the animal for free, but then ask you to pay for food, vaccinations, and transport of the animal.
Sometimes, unscrupulous internet users set a sale price for a cat or dog, even though it is illegal. Faced with this type of ad, you should cut short the conversation and never send money. In general, the payment method imposed by the ad author (most often a bank transfer) offers you no protection or guarantee.
The risk is twofold when adopting an animal from an individual: either you never receive the kitten or puppy you are expecting, or you may end up with a cat or dog that was weaned too young and raised in poor conditions.
Another very common scam on social media involves posting a fake ad with the photo of an allegedly injured animal found.
By posting this type of ad, the scammer attempts to extract money from gullible internet users who want to help the animal. They claim various expenses, for the care or transport of the injured animal, in order to obtain a financial contribution.
Pet adoption scams are not only rampant on the Internet but also in real life! Contrary to what one might sometimes think, animal fairs and shows are not safer places to adopt a puppy or kitten.
These events organized throughout France have not been banned by the 2021 law, as animal protection associations had requested. Not only do they encourage impulse purchases, which you may later regret, but they also attract unscrupulous breeders.
According to a survey by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation published in April 2024, these animal shows and fairs lack transparency regarding the origin of cats and dogs, and scams are very frequent.
Dogs supposedly "purebred" are sold there, but they are not registered with the LOF (French Book of Origins), which is completely illegal. You can also find animals resulting from multiple crossbreeds whose breed is not recognized in France.
In the face of increasing scams related to buying or adopting pets, utmost caution is advised when looking to adopt a dog or a cat.
In this area, one should never make hasty decisions or adopt an animal lightly! On the contrary, it's important to take time to reflect, consult recognized organizations, and learn about the characteristics and needs of the animal you are going to welcome into your home.
To verify the reliability of an online ad, you can check:
• the breeder's Siren number on the Insee website.
• the animal's identification number in the I-Cad file (see the link below).
• the litter number on the litter verification sites of the Central Canine Society for a puppy or the Official Book of Feline Origins (LOOF) for a kitten.
Author Audrey on 29 August 2022
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