COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Better Business Bureau.Canadians have lost about $300,000 so far this year after falling prey to fake breeders, compared to about $150,000 during all of 2019, the non-profit organization warns.
The New Reality: The appeal of the pandemic puppy The bureau and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre have received 364 pet-scam complaints combined, with more than 250 of those reporting money lost — and August as the worst month since the outbreak.“There’s people all over the country, from the Maritimes to B.C., that are getting scammed with this type of puppy fraud,” said Jessie St-Cyr, a spokeswoman for the bureau.Red flags include low prices — under $1,000 for a purebred puppy — pressure to complete the purchase.