By Staff
Parents who teach their children to not talk to strangers are also advised to tell their children about the "my puppy is lost" story. Often those wishing to hurt children know that even children who have been taught well to not talk to strangers often cave when asked to help look for a lost puppy.
Adults can fall into the same problem. Those who would never send money to a stranger in a Nigerian email scam, might just give in if they think someone needs help finding a home for their puppy.
One of the latest in a continuing series of scams on the Internet, and possibly in a classified ad, is an offer of a free puppy – which is even a registered AKC dog.
Reports from the Better Business Bureau have found someone poses as a breeder, who says they are a missionary in Nigeria, but now must relocate. They are offering their "puppy" to someone who will give him a good home.
Those who contact the advertiser is given a sob story that seems believable. They are then asked to send money to ship the dog and possibly even asked for more to help with the missionary work.
There is no puppy, nor any missionary.
The puppy gets our sympathy every time – no matter what age we are.
Don't fall for this scam.