Vivastreet blog

1. Do not deal with anyone who promises a free puppy for just the cost of shipping.
2. Pets most frequently targeted by scammers are English Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Teacup Yorkers, African parrots/eggs, as well as restricted animals, such as Bats and Monkeys.
3. Online scammers will often copy the claims of legitimate rescue groups and attempt to sound reputable. They may also copy breeder ads and claim to have registration certificates, vet records and health guarantees.
4. Avoid any kind of shipping from overseas, or any type of domestic shipping/flight. You should always be able to meet the pet in person. 95% of the scammers are from overseas (the most popular are Nigeria, Cameroon, USA and South Africa).
5. Do not trust a seller who wants to use Moneygram, Western Union or other irreversible money wire payments.
6. Be suspicious of bad grammar (spelling mistakes) and vague replies which do not make sense or relate well to your ad or enquiry.
7. Do not trust any seller whose phone number starts with 070.

If you cannot see the animal in the flesh, DO NOT part with any cash under any circumstances.

If you are in doubt or you think you might be targeted by a scammer, please do not proceed any further and cease all contact with the advertiser. Please then forward the ad number to us so we can investigate further.