A resident of Dunnellon in Marion County recently became the victim of a scam while attempting to purchase dwarf goats through Facebook Marketplace. The man lost $350 in what the Better Business Bureau (BBB) identifies as part of a larger, nationwide issue with fraudulent online pet sales.

Growing Trend of Online Pet Scams

The BBB reports that over the past year, Americans have lost $2.6 million to fraudulent online pet purchases. Nearly 2,000 scams were reported in that period, with a total of 4,500 scams over the past three years, resulting in $5.7 million in losses. These scams often lure consumers with enticing pictures or videos of pets, leading them to believe they are purchasing a new companion.

Holly Salmons, CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central Florida, explained that while these scams initially focused on puppies, they have expanded to include exotic animals such as dwarf goats. “Nearly 80% of sponsored posts or listings for pets are scam-related,” Salmons noted, urging consumers to exercise caution when searching for specific pets online.

Local Incident Highlights Risks

The Dunnellon man reported his experience to the BBB after he attempted to buy two dwarf goats. After sending $350, the Facebook page he was dealing with was deleted. He was then contacted by a fake shipping company requesting additional funds, which led to the realization that he had been scammed.

Salmons emphasized the importance of vigilance when purchasing pets online. She recommended potential buyers ask for live videos of the animals or arrange in-person visits to verify the seller’s legitimacy. “If a seller only provides clips and photos and refuses a visit, those are red flags, especially when a deposit is involved,” she warned.

To avoid falling victim to such scams, Salmons advised thorough research, asking detailed questions, and avoiding digital payments if there are any doubts about the transaction’s legitimacy.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.