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The New York Department of Stateās Division of Consumer Protection is providing tips to avoid scams while on the search for a furry or feathered addition to the family this holiday season. According to theĀ American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA),Ā there are thousands of reports of consumers who lost money and never received their pet or received a sick, stolen or different animal from the one they ordered.
According to theĀ Better Business Bureau, experts say a shocking 80% of sponsored pet advertisements may be fake. These scams often start with an online ad with a picture of an adorable puppy or kitten in search of a new home. Victims are quickly lured with a popular breed and a low price. Some scammers even promise to deliver the animal to the airport or even the buyerās doorstop. However, once payment is received the pet never arrives and the seller disappears.
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About the NYS Department of State Division of Consumer Protection
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and educational materials to consumers and voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses.
The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time atĀ www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.
Follow the NYS Department of State Division of Consumer Protection onĀ Facebook,Ā Twitter, andĀ InstagramĀ for other consumer protection tips and consumer alerts.
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