Word Of Warning Before Buying Pets Online

People can buy just about anything online, including animals. It's an easy way to find a pet without spending a lot of gas money. The problem is, alongside the legitimate breeders are scam artists.

Friday, July 14th 2006, 10:12 am

By: News On 6

People can buy just about anything online, including animals. It's an easy way to find a pet without spending a lot of gas money. The problem is, alongside the legitimate breeders are scam artists.

News on 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright explains how to know the difference.

Being trusting is a wonderful trait, but it is also one that can cost you money, time and heartache. A Broken Arrow woman was shocked by what she found when shopping for a Yorkie. Tracie Kroenert and her girls have a Chihuahua named Tafie and decided they also want a Yorkie. She got online and emailed people who advertised Yorkies for sale. "She said, oh sorry, I just adopted out my last dog, but, it went to my pastor and he's going to Africa on a missionary trip and has to get rid of it because the weather is bad in Africa."

That man was very anxious for her to send the money through Western Union before he sent the dog.

Tracie grew suspicious when she got a similar response from dozens of other people. Each one of these email responses is a variation on the same theme. God bless you for adopting my dog, but I or my pastor or my sister, has been transferred to Africa, you Western Union me the money and I'll send you the dog and there are thousands more just like it. "I actually found one in Bartlesville and emailed her that I'd really like to come get the dog, I'm local and wouldn't have to worry about shipping, but she said, no, I'm in Africa and will have to ship it to you." People send money and they never get a dog and there's no recourse. Many of these people don't have dogs at all; they just cut and paste pictures to their website. The News on 6 found this dog's picture on more than one site.

Tracie may be a little less trusting, but she still hopes to find a Yorkie. "I still don't have my Yorkie, but, I'll keep looking, I'll keep looking. Hopefully I'll find someone who will give it to me or for a low cost fee, because we would give a good home."

If the words Africa, Nigeria or United Kingdom appear in any email, it's a scam, delete it. To find a legitimate breeder, make sure the person is a member of at least one nationally known association and you want them to be involved in local groups, shows or training.

Ask for references and check them, especially with the person's veterinarian.