The in-home pet feeding and boarding treats scam

Understanding the Pet Snack Scam

Pet owners are increasingly turning to in-home pet sitting and boarding services when they're away. This growing trend has unfortunately opened the door to scams, like the pet snack. This fraudulent scheme involves individuals posing as legitimate pet sitters or boarding service providers, offering to feed your pet their "special" snacks. The scam is not only costly but can also put your pet's health at risk.

How the Scam Works

The scam typically starts with an attractive online ad or email from someone offering pet sitting services. They may claim to have years of experience and offer additional perks like homemade snacks for your furry friend. Once you show interest, they'll ask for payment upfront, often pressuring you to pay quickly to secure their services.

The snacks they provide are usually inexpensive, store-bought treats that they pass off as high-quality, custom-made pet snacks. In some cases, these snacks might be tainted or harmful, leading to health issues for your pet. After the payment is made, the scammer disappears, leaving you with no pet sitter and a potential vet bill.

Recognizing the Red Flags

Several red flags can help you recognize this scam. Be wary of individuals who:

- Insist on upfront payment without meeting or providing verifiable references.

- Offer deals that seem too good to be true, like significantly discounted rates or expensive treats at a low cost.

- Refuse to provide their physical address or meet in person before the service begins.

- Have a limited or non-existent online presence or reviews that seem suspiciously positive or repetitive.

Protecting Yourself and Your Pet

To avoid falling victim to the pet snack scam, consider these precautions:

Always conduct thorough research on potential pet sitters. Look for reviews on reputable websites and ask for references. A legitimate pet sitter will be happy to provide these.

Meet the pet sitter in person before hiring them. This meeting should take place in a public place or at your home so you can observe how they interact with your pet.

Ask for a contract that outlines the services, payment terms, and a cancellation policy. A professional pet sitter will have no issue providing a written agreement.

Never pay the full amount upfront. Consider using a payment service that offers buyer protection, and pay in installments as services are rendered.

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it's better to keep looking for a pet sitter than to risk your pet's well-being and your wallet.

Reporting the Scam

If you encounter a pet snack scam, report it to the authorities. Contact your local police department and file a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center. The more information that is reported, the better the chances of catching these scammers and preventing others from falling victim.

By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect your pet and avoid the heartache and financial strain that comes with falling for a pet snack scam. Remember, a legitimate pet sitter's primary concern is the well-being of your pet, and they will be transparent and professional in their dealings with you.