For years, people looking for a new puppy or kitten have used the newspaper classifieds and online ads to find their perfect pet. But now, scam artists are using fake animal advertisements as a way of stealing people's money.

"Daisy is family raised puppy in my home... she is AKC registered and I do have her litter pedigree and registration back from AKC and available to you…"

Sheryl Bilbrey, head of the San Diego Better Business Bureau, says that while Daisy may sound like the perfect little pup, she doesn't actually exist. Scam artists are now using fake puppies and kittens to separate animal lovers from their money.

"They're taking out ads for puppies that may either be abandoned, so it's appealing to your emotion to save an animal, or they're saying that you can purchase a very rare puppy for a very low fee," she said.

In both cases, the con artist insists that you wire them money, in some cases thousands of dollars, for a variety of fees and expenses. They get your money, but you never get your new pet.

"And of course once you give up a credit card number or you wire money, you're rarely able to recoup that money," Bilbrey said.

At the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe, there are plenty of dogs and cats in need of a home, and unlike the victims of this new scam, you get to go home with an actual animal.

"You're walking out of here with the animal that you've chosen or if you're really lucky, the animal that's chose you," spokesman John Van Zante of the Helen Woodward Animal Center said.

Helen Woodward charges an adoption fee for their animals -- usually around $150 to $200, but all their animals come spade or neutered, and with all their shots.

In light of this new pet scam, Van Zante says adopting an animal from the shelter makes a lot of sense.

"Our goal is to create a lifetime match between you and your new pet," he said.

Van Zante says perspective pet owners should do their research, ask lots of questions and spend some actual time with that furry friend before they adopt.

The BBB says there are reputable breeders doing business on the internet and through classifieds, but they say consumers should always do their homework before buying a pet, and never, ever wire anyone money for an animal they've never seen in person.

http://www.cbs8.com/features/consumer_alert/story.php?id=92110

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