Is that cute puppy really for sale? Mounties warn of puppy scam in Okanagan

KELOWNA (NEWS 1130) — Fraudsters in the Okanagan want to take advantage of your love of cute puppies.

Mounties are putting out a warning after people were conned out of hundreds of dollars when they tried to put down a deposit on a puppy.

RELATED: A warning for consumers about an online scam involving puppies

Police say over one week, two people claimed to have had a combined total of $1,800 stolen in an online scam.

“In each of the cases the victim agreed to e-transfer money, as a down payment towards an adorable puppy they found advertised in online classified ads,” Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey says in a news release. “Sadly our complainants, who were expecting the animal to be delivered by courier, never did receive their puppy or see their money again.”

Looking to buy an adorable pet like this one?
If shopping online & asked to send money for shipment, vet bills or insurance – be wary.
Verify the seller by meeting in person. When it comes to preventing fraud, knowledge is power. #FraudPreventionMonthhttps://t.co/tLYOi2qBex pic.twitter.com/8XDMGc2jJA

— Waterloo Regional Police (@WRPSToday) March 1, 2019

Recently, there’s been a similar scam happening in Waterloo, Ontario. It’s also

Instead of buying online, police recommend adopting the animal in person, or at least researching the person or company claiming to sell the pups beforehand to make sure they’re legitimate.

Paying by sending cash, money transfers or money orders is not recommended.