80% of online ads for pets may be fake, says BBB. Here's how to protect yourself – Yahoo

Bringing a new pet into your home is an exciting part of life. But consumer advocates warn that scammers are preying on your heart strings.

First, if you see an online ad for a particularly cute puppy, kitten, or other pet, do a "reverse image search" to see if the photo is stolen from a legitimate site, or if it is a stock photo. If the same picture appears on multiple websites, it's probably fraud.

Prospective pet parents should also meet their new animal in person, and if possible, see the facility where it is being raised. If a breeder makes excuses for why you can't come visit, that's a red flag.

The Federal Trade Commission also cautions consumers to watch how they're asked to pay. Scammers love payment via gift card, crypto currency, or wire transfers.

If you do enter a transaction with a breeder, watch for undisclosed fees. If the breeder suddenly says there's a transportation fee or licensing fee, that's a warning that they're trying to string you along and pay more for a pet that doesn't exist.

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