Area residents are being warned of the ‘Quarantine Puppy’ scam in which families affected by COVID-19 are ripped off while trying to purchase non-existent pets on the Internet.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says the puppy scam has led to many pet-owners losing large amounts of money as they try to purchase pets to help them cope with quarantine or self-isolation during this pandemic.

The BBB says puppy and other pet scams have spiked since COVID-19 first hit, with more reports about fraudulent pet websites in April than in the first three months of 2020 combined.

Some families obeying stay-at-home orders have taken to the Web to look for a pet. Many have come across scammers who advertise on websites for animals that don’t exist and are never shipped.

The BBB is warning that the coronavirus has led to scammers asking for money up front, or to make virus-related excuses as to why buyers can’t see the pet in person.

The perspective pet purchasers are left devastated and heartbroken when they find out that they have been conned.

“Scammers frequently take advantage of the news to find new avenues for targeting victims,” BBB officials say. “The uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, along with some quarantined families’ decision to adopt a pet sight unseen, has created fertile ground for fraudsters.”

Victims tell the BBB they wanted a puppy to help them cope with isolation and brighten their lives during the pandemic.

The victims were often told that they have to send money for climate-controlled crates, insurance and a (non-existent) COVID-19 vaccine. There are instances where the pet lover wanted to see or pick-up the animal but were told that wasn’t possible due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Victims reported losing from $300 to $5,000 each to conmen in the fake puppy scam.

Police say animal-lovers should reach out to their local shelters to adopt a pet; don’t buy a pet without seeing it in person; avoid wiring money, or using a cash app or gift card and research the prices of the breed you want.

You can also search photos of the pups to see If they are also featured on other scam websites.

If you feel you have been defrauded call your local police at 426-808-2200.