Watch Out For This Major Scam in Michigan This Holiday

Tis the season for great deals at the store and people after your information. The stores are giving you some great deals this holiday, but now some of the people you don't want your information, are after it.

So, what scam should you watch out for in Michigan this holiday season?

Watch Out For This Major Scam in Michigan This Holiday

There is a new scam floating around, but this one pertains to, believe it or not, puppy's. As a reminder going into the holiday season, you should adopt and not shop. But, also realize that adopting a pet is a life-long commitment, and not a week or year commitment. Animals are a lot of work.

While great holiday present's, should just be bought because it seems like a great gift for your children.

Puppy Scam Trending In The State of Michigan

People are now using puppy's to scam and exploit unsuspecting buyers. A lot of the time including fake breeds, fake pet stores, even online scams. There are a few ways to recognize these scams though.

• Fake Breeders: Claiming to be reputable, these scammers create misleading websites or pose as small family breeders. They refuse in-person visits, offering excuses like meeting at public spots or showing only parts of their property.
• Deceptive Pet Stores: Many stores sell puppies from mills while pretending they're from top-notch breeders. Watch out for underage puppies, fake paperwork, and buzzwords like "designer breeds" or "hypoallergenic."
• Online Issues: Websites show stolen puppy photos. Buyers are asked to pay deposits or shipping fees for pets that don’t exist. These scammers pile on charges, like "crate upgrades" or "medical costs," to drain your wallet.
• Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals: Low prices with vague promises of “just pay shipping” are classic bait. They often demand untraceable payments, making refunds impossible.
• Emotional Blackmail: Scammers may threaten you with charges of animal neglect or abandonment if you hesitate to pay.