Victims bilked out of thousands of dollars in internet puppy scam: York police

By News Staff

York police are warning the public after receiving reports of people losing thousands of dollars through internet puppy scams.

Police said the victims thought the U.S.-based websites were legitimate operations — only to find out later they had been scammed out of thousands of dollars, and, most importantly, getting a new furry friend

“They believed that they would be purchasing a puppy from a breeder in the United States and the puppy would be shipped to them under specific humane conditions,” York police said in a news release on Friday.

Police said the victims would send an initial payment for the dog, only to be told later that there were “additional” costs that would have to be paid.

“In some incidents, victims were told that their puppy had been sent to an incorrect location and added shipping costs would be billed or else the puppy would be abandoned,” police said. “When the victim got suspicious, they found that the websites were removed.”

In some cases, the websites would be taken down of the internet, only to reemerge later.

Police said “Fancypuppies.com,” “Alphapetmovers.com,” and “Globalshippers.com,” are connected to the investigation.

CityNews viewed these websites. Two of the sites appear to be operational as of Friday at 2 p.m. and a third said the domain name was for sale.

Investigators add there are multiple websites involved in the case and the public should remain cautious when shopping online.

“Do not be talked into sending payments if you are uncertain and do not use payment methods with which you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable,” police said. “Always do additional research and make calls to companies or agencies to thoroughly verify the information.”

Police said they continue to investigate the case and ask anyone with information to contact them directly. Tips can also be left anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

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