Beware of Holiday Puppy Scam
Email to a friend
Permalink
Thursday, December 22, 2016
GoLocalWorcester Business Team
Is a new puppy on the Christmas wish list?
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning potential pet owners to be extra cautious of puppy scams during the holiday season.
“Every year, puppy scams cost consumers thousands of dollars for a pet that never arrived. Puppy scammers often build websites using stolen photos and content from reputable breeders. They promise to send a puppy to you after money has been wired, but will add on additional fees or disappear completely after you have paid a certain amount of money,” said the BBB in their press release.
The Better Business Bureau is offering the following tips to avoid puppy scams:
Never wire money. Scammers like to use wire transfers because it works like cash, letting them collect your money before you realize you were scammed. If a breeder pressures you to pay by wire transfer or prepaid debit card, it¹s probably a scam.
Always visit the breeder. Legitimate breeders and rescue groups will offer a chance to visit so you can check out the place and the puppies. If the business doesn¹t want visitors, then consider that a red flag.
Check the contact information. It¹s always a good idea to check the address if you are able to. If not provided, ask for the address so that you can pick up your pet instead of having the breeder ship him or her to you. If the breeder doesn¹t give you their address and refuses to let you pick your pet up, then walk away.
Ask for references. Talk to others who have purchased pets from the breeder and the veterinarian the breeder works with.
Search for reliable breeders or rescues. If you¹re looking to adopt or buy a pet, check out BBB¹s Accredited Business Directory for a list of Accredited Businesses near you to view their BBB Business Profile and Customer Reviews.
For more on puppy scams and others, click here.
Related Slideshow: 15 Ways to Get Into the Holiday Spirit in Central MA - 2017
Prev
Next
Give to Those in Need
From giving trees at churches to Why Me Inc. as well as many other great organizations, there are plenty of families in the community that could use your help to put a present or two under the tree for a child who might not otherwise get one.
Prev
Next
10th Anniversary Production of A Christmas Carol at Hanover Theatre
Get to Hanover Theatre to see the 10th Anniversary production of A Christmas Carol on opening night.
Jeremy Lawrence plays Scrooge for the sixth year in a row, having guest starred on TVs The Blacklist and Shades of Blue, as well as worked with directors Brian De Palma, Rob Howard and Stephen Daldry. Lawrence is also known for his portrayal of playwright Tennessee Williams.
The show starts at 7 p.m.
Click here for more information
Prev
Next
Visit Stowe Farm and Buy a Christmas Tree.
The Christmas season can't begin without a Christmas tree.
Start your Christmas tree shopping now by visiting Stowe Farm in Millbury and get into the holiday spirit.
PHOTO: Flickr
Prev
Next
Go Ice Skating at Worcester Common Oval
The Worcester Common Oval is a cool place to go ice skating, right in the heart of Worcester.
If that's not enough for you, skate on the old-fashioned way, on a frozen pond.
Prev
Next
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village is an evening filled with New England holiday traditions, live musical performances, storytelling, sleigh rides, festive foods, a roaring bonfire, and strolls around the decorated Village Common.
At the North Pole Village families will find Santa, Mrs. Claus Bake Shop, a magical talking Christmas tree, and an expanded train display featuring some trains from the movie Joy.
The event goes from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Click here for more information
Prev
Next
Imagine John Lennon Christmas Festival at That's Entertainment
Multiple bands and solo performers singing Lennon, Beatles and Christmas Carol's.
Any bands, singers, musicians, artists, elves or Santa's helpers that would like to participate are welcome.
Festival times are as follows:
1:00 AM-6:00 AM, 2:00 AM-7:00 AM, 3:00 AM-8:00 AM, 4:00 AM-9:00 AM, 1:00 PM-6:00 PM
Click here for more information
Prev
Next
The Muppet Christmas Carol at the Worcester Common Oval Ice Skating Rink
Layer up in your most comfortable winter attire and pack some seasonal snacks for this outdoor film screening on City Hall Plaza.
Admission for skating is just $10 and includes skate rentals. Receive a $5.00 discount if you bring your own skates. Kids 6 and under skate free. Admission for the movie is free.
Click here for more information
Prev
Next
Give Money to Salvation Army
Throw some money in the Salvation Army kettle. Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings. The person who stands outside ringing the bell is often there for long hours.
Even if it's just some change, smile at them and wish them a happy holiday.
PHOTO: j_lai/ Flickr
Prev
Next
Secretly Pay it Forward
Standing in line at a local coffee shop waiting to order can be a long wait at times.
Make the day of the person behind you by paying for their coffee. It will put a huge smile on their face, and on your face as well.
But shhh don't tell them.
Prev
Next
Call Long Lost Friends or Family Members
On the phone -- not a Facebook post, not a text. Let them hear your voice. Find a way to reconnect on a personal basis.
Find out how they're doing. Make plans to catch up in person. But whatever you do, remember, texting doesn't count!
Prev
Next
Spend Time With an Elderly Relative
The actual day when the family is around can be hectic. Before then, go have a cup of tea, bring some cookies, and find out what holiday traditions they enjoyed.
Give the gift of time.
Prev
Next
Start Thinking About Your New Year's Resolutions
Don't wait until December 31 to promise you'll drink less and work out more.
Take stock of your life, figure out what's important to you, and what you want to accomplish in the New Year and start jotting stuff down.
Prev
Next
You Must Watch Home Alone
While it may not be your traditional Christmas movie, it certainly brings home the holiday spirit.
Home Alone is an all-time classic that simply must be watched.
Enjoy!
Prev
Next
A Festivus for the Rest of Us
You must watch the Festivus episode of Seinfeld, it is one of the most famous episodes of the entire series.
Laughter is the best medicine, after all.
When you finish the episode, be sure to celebrate Festivus on December 23.
Happy Festivus!
PHOTO: Matt Keef/Flickr
Prev
Next
Get Those Decorations up
Get those decorations up early this year and go all out, go to the extreme with the decorating.
Why not be the talk of the neighborhood?
Add to the holiday cheer.
PHOTO: Romeo Banias/Flickr
Related Articles
Enjoy this post? Share it with others.
Email to a friend
Permalink
Delivered Free Every
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It