Warning over pedigree puppy scam

The adverts are often for pedigree puppies that do not really exist

People looking to buy a pet this Christmas have been warned about an international scam involving adverts for animals that do not exist.

Trading standards officers said some classified adverts online, or in local free papers, were aimed at tricking consumers out of large sums of money.

They offer non existent pedigree puppies or exotic pets at low prices or "for free adoption".

Money is then requested for delivery, quarantine and veterinary costs.

David Roderick is a trading standards manager with North Lanarkshire Council, which heads up Scotland's Scambusters team in partnership with Dundee City Council.

He said: "Often these pets do not even exist.

"Consumers should look out for telephone numbers beginning with '070'. These are known as personal numbers, but your call could be redirected anywhere in the world and cost up to 50p a minute from a landline, or considerably more from a mobile phone.

If the seller asks for a money transfer to cover delivery, quarantine or veterinary costs, buyers should be very wary David Rodderick Trading standards manager

He added: "Not all 070 numbers are connected to this scam, some are legitimate sales avenues.

"The other things to look out for are a ring tone that differs from the standard UK double ring; and an echo on the line. Both are indicators that the call is connecting outside the UK.

"If the seller asks for a money transfer to cover delivery, quarantine or veterinary costs, buyers should be very wary."

People eager to purchase a pet over the festive season are advised to arrange to see the animal in its home environment before agreeing a sale.

Consumers with any doubts should contact their local trading standards office.