The Sherbrooke Police Service (SPS) would like to inform citizens about scams happening at the moment where fraudsters solicit their victims through Internet sales sites to sell or “donate” pets, generally of rare breeds (Bengal cats, sphinx, English bulldogs, Yorkshire, Maltese, Chihuahuas and Huskies).
The suspect makes contact through Facebook pages and internet sites related to the sale/donation of animals. An exchange of emails and phone calls usually follows. The suspect, posing as the seller, offers the animal for free or at a ridiculously low price. Then, the suspect starts asking for money under the pretext of transportation costs, veterinarian fees, license fees, etc. The price of the fictitious animal can then reach thousands of dollars.
The SPS wishes to warn the public against this type of scam, which is still often used by fraudsters. Police should be contacted if a person believes they have fallen victim to the scam and agreed to send money to the fraudster.
The SPS is aware of the scheme and it is already under investigation.
Sherbrooke police warning about internet pet scams
Record Staff
