CALGARY – RCMP are warning potential dog buyers of a scam circulating in the province.
An investigation into a suspected counterfeit Canadian Kennel Club found the owners were issuing fake purebred certificates of registration.
The fraudsters are trying to sell the dogs through Kijiji, claiming they are purebred. When asked for the CKC certificate of registration, the documents are emailed to the prospective buyers. They will go so far as sending photos of the dog as well as a complete history record. All this information is false.
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The fraudster then attempts to get the buyer to send money to them via Western Union or a money gram.
The seller is reported to be living in the Calgary area.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is aware of the scam. They offer the following advice to buyers searching for an animal online:
– Know whom you are dealing with – independently confirm your seller’s name, street, address, and telephone number.
– Resist pressure to “act now.” If an offer sounds too good to be true it usually is.
– If the buyer wants to use a service you have not heard of, be sure to check out how reliable it is – check its Web site, call its customer service hotline, and read its terms of agreement and privacy policy. If you do not feel comfortable with the service, do not use it.
– Contact your local office of the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre toll free at 1-888-495-8501.
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