Hundreds of Victorians losing thousands of dollars to puppy scams

A Melbourne mum who lost $10,000 thinking she was buying two French Bulldog puppies for her and her daughter is among hundreds of Victorians who have fallen victim to fake puppy ads.

Police are warning Victorians trying to buy a dog to beware of scammers as detectives investigate hundreds of cases of people losing thousands of dollars to scammers pretending to be selling puppies.

The scammers are advertising puppies for sale on websites that appear to be professional and through online marketplaces, police have warned.

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The crooks typically send potential buyers a photo of a puppy, then ask victims to make cash deposits for the dog, with the price usually including costs for interstate transport, insurance and registration fees.

Many victims have reported later being asked for a second payment for a variety of excuses, such as different crates or equipment being required, according to police.

The scammers usually cut all contact with their victims once payment has been made.

Victims don't receive the puppy have reported losing between $700 and $10,000.

The most prevalent breeds being used by scammers are Cavoodles, French Bulldogs, Mini Teacup Puppies, Golden Retrievers, Corgies and Dachshunds.

A Melbourne man who thought he was buying a Blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier via Facebook marketplace as a surprise wedding present for his fiancé has also been among the victims.

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Can you pick the Black Friday scam text message?

He paid a deposit and he received what was believed to be credible information about the puppy, then heard nothing further about the alleged sale.

Acting Detective Sergeant Laura Montgomery said police were urging people to do thorough research when trying to buy a pet online.

"It's imperative you see what you are buying before transferring funds over," she said.

She has also warned: "If an offer seems too good to be true then it probably is."

Anyone buying a pet online is advised to:

• Do a reverse text and image search for the pet being advertised. If the search returns a match on multiple websites, you're likely dealing with a scam.
• Try to meet the pet in person before handing over money. If it's not possible, ask the seller to do a video call where you can see them handling and playing with the pet.
• Be cautious of sellers offering cheap prices for pets.
• Pause before agreeing to pay extra, unexpected costs such as additional shipping fees or vet bills.
• Beware of sellers who won't communicate by phone, only through text or email.
• Seek advice about the seller from a reputable breeder's association, such as dogsvictoria.org.au. Otherwise conduct checks on websites being used that may be linked to suspicious scams.

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Police charged a Deer Park man in relation to alleged puppy scams earlier this year.

Victims of scams and anyone with information in relation to a scam are urged to contact police.