{"id":9297,"date":"2021-09-21T15:42:43","date_gmt":"2021-09-21T19:42:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.greatflorida.com\/?p=9297"},"modified":"2026-05-12T18:41:23","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T22:41:23","slug":"puppy-scams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/2021\/puppy-scams\/","title":{"rendered":"Puppy Scams"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Florida\u2019s sheriff\u2019s office is warning residents about puppy scams. \u201cIt is a shame that hustlers will take advantage of people looking for companionship,\u201d says Dustyn Shroff<\/a>, Vice President of Great Florida Insurance<\/a>, Florida\u2019s largest independent homeowners insurance<\/a> agency.<\/p>\n

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said they have received dozens of complaints about puppy scams throughout the county. The Better Business Bureau<\/a> (BBB) reports a dramatic rise in puppy scams since the beginning of the pandemic. Pet scams are up nearly five times as they were in 2017.<\/p>\n

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https:\/\/www.bbb.org\/article\/news-releases\/23354-bbb-study-update-puppy-scams-rising-in-2020<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

In several, recent cases victims have responded to ads on Craigslist or social media platforms. Once those interested put down a deposit or pay for the pet, the seller disappears.<\/p>\n

Additionally, some reported cases include fraudulent American Kennel Club<\/a> (AKC) paperwork where the seller falsely claimed the puppies were AKC certified. Be sure to check the AKC<\/a> website for certifications.<\/p>\n

Make sure your puppy buying experience is both enjoyable and safe. The AKC has red flags to look for when purchasing a pet.<\/p>\n