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Crooks know a photo of a cute kitten or a precious puppy can melt your heart.  That's why they'll advertise an adorable dog for sale and make it sound like they've had numerous offers... hoping to catch you off guard and handy with your wallet.  I get calls and emails from folks who have been pet-scammed about half a dozen times a year. 

Remember you've got to do your homework buying a dog or cat just like you would buying a couch, computer, or a car.  I've heard from viewers who were emailed photos of the pet they were going to receive... and if they actually got the puppy... he looked nothing like the one in the pictures.  To make matters worse, the tiny pup was usually deathly ill and in need of vet care.

Others have wired money... anywhere from $800 to $1,500 overseas... only to learn there never was a dog at all.  It was just a set up... one excuse after another why the pooch was delayed... paperwork wasn't up to date, the puppy was sick, the vet didn't think  it was ready to fly... you name it.  Bottom line they never got the dog and the crook was counting his cash in Nigeria.

I even heard from someone who saw her dead puppy's photo.  It was being used by crooks to sell a dog that didn't exist!

Follow these rules and you shouldn't run into problems.  First ask the breeder for referrals and check them out.  If you're interested in a pet, hold her and play with her... in other words see her in person.  What you don't want to do is communicate with a faceless scam artist... talking to the stranger via email... wiring money to him overseas... and then losing your money and being upset in the process.

It's all right to use the web to find a breeder, but your best bet is to deal local.  Your odds are much better meeting the seller face-to-face and interacting with your pet-to-be in person, too.