Cambridge Animal Commission Alerts Residents About ‘Toy Poodle’ Scam
The Cambridge Animal Commission has issued a warning about a regional scam involving the sale of toy poodles, advertised through flyers on vehicles. Scammers state that they are offering eight-week-old,…
Stock Photo
The Cambridge Animal Commission has issued a warning about a regional scam involving the sale of toy poodles, advertised through flyers on vehicles.
Scammers state that they are offering eight-week-old, fully vaccinated, and registered puppies for $1,000 each. In reality, the commission said, no dogs are being sold through the phone number. The image used on the flyer is a stock photo.
Cambridge police and the commission told Boston.com that they are investigating the scam along with other agencies in the area. The city and commission caution residents to avoid falling victim to these scams by following these tips:
- Meet breeders or puppy sellers in person.
- Ask for references.
- Request official health records and documentation before purchasing any animal.
According to a Boston.com report, Better Business Bureau data indicates that over the past three years, nearly 10,000 scam reports and complaints related to the selling of puppies and dogs have been filed. However, only about 10% of victims report the crimes, so the actual number is likely much higher.
The Cambridge Animal Commission and police are urging anyone with information about the scam or who believes they have fallen victim to it to file a police report or call 617-349-3300.
