Police warn public to beware of puppy scam

News release
Cst. David McLellan
Sgt. Colin Lock
RCMP Calgary Federal Enforcement Section


RCMP Calgary Federal Enforcement Section (FES) recently investigated a suspected counterfeit Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) purebred dog Certificate of Registration. The investigation determined this document was not only counterfeit, but that the scheme was greater in scope than it appears at first inspection.



The “seller”, using a Kijiji ad, attempted to sell a dog as purebred. When the seller was asked to produce the CKC Certificate of Registration, the counterfeited document was emailed to the prospective buyer. The seller, reportedly living here in Calgary, corresponded with the buyer via e-mail but the address and phone number provided were fake, as was the dog.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Center confirmed that they are aware of this scam. The fraudster attempts to get a buyer to commit money to them via Western Union or a money gram. They even go so far as to send photos
of the dog, complete with history.

In order to avoid these types of scams, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre suggests the following general words of advice:
- Know whom you are dealing with – independently confirm your seller’s name, street, address, and telephone number.
- Resist pressure to “act now.” If an offer sounds too good to be true it usually is.
- If the buyer wants to use a service you have not heard of, be sure to check out how reliable it is – check its
Web site, call its customer service hotline, and read its terms of agreement and privacy policy. If you do not
feel comfortable with the service, do not use it.
- Contact your local office of the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre toll free
at 1-888-495-8501.
The Canadian Kennel Club is aware that this scam is occurring. If a buyer has concerns, please contact the CKC at the numbers listed on their website.

source: www.albertapolicereport.com