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Ohio Attorney General Warns Ohioans To Beware Of Online Puppy Scams

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If you are purchasing a puppy from an online dog breeder, Ohio’s Attorney General warns to proceed with caution.

Attorney General MikeDeWinesays his office has received 30 complaints from consumers who say they bought a puppy online but never received anything in return.

He says scammers are posting cute pictures of puppies that are supposedly for sale but once the consumer wires money to the breeder, the seller demands more money for insurance, transportation or other costs then threatens to turn the customer in for animal abuse if they refuse to pay.

DeWinesays if the price appears to be too good to be true, it probably is. He suggests you work with a local organization or breeder if possible and visit the dog before making a purchase. Many animal rescue and humane organizations caution against giving puppies as gifts since the purchase is a lifetime commitment for the recipient.

Copyright 2021 The Statehouse News Bureau. To see more, visit The Statehouse News Bureau.

Jo Ingles is a professional journalist who covers politics and Ohio government for the Ohio Public Radio and Television for the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau. She reports on issues of importance to Ohioans including education, legislation, politics, and life and death issues such as capital punishment.