DOG lovers have been warned about the breeds they should never buy online – and how to spot the warning signs.

       It follows a large rise in scams by con artists who target people looking to buy a pet, particularly through social media sites like Facebook and Instagram.

       2

       Yorkshire terriers are one of the most popular breeds used by scammers to target pet lovers Credit: Getty

       Overall, reports of pet scams have risen by 24 per cent so far this year compared with 2022, according to research carried out by Lloyds Bank.

       Cons involving dogs are up by 19 per cent, while those involving cats have increased by 13 per cent.

       Scams involving horses and horse equipment have shot up by 42 per cent.

       People are losing an average ￡307 to pet scams, the research shows.

       Read More on Dogs

       Cool Cats Best pet cooling mats 2023

       ON THE NOSE My dog was crying and acting really weirdly - but it was ME who had the problem

       Crooks will often pretend to be selling a pet that just doesn’t exist, hoping the buyer will hand over the cash, experts say.

       The dog breeds most often involved in these sorts of scams are Yorkshire terriers, blue Staffordshire bull terriers, Rottweilers and Pomeranians.

       Maine coons, ragdolls and sphynxs are the most common cat breeds targeted.

       Scammers will usually take photos from the internet and share fictitious information about the animal, such as parentage or medical information in order to create the illusion of authenticity.

       Most read in The Sun

       KHAN YOU NOT? Amir Khan reveals drastic step he’s willing to take to stop sexting women

       TRAGIC LOSS Jamie Lomas devastated after dad dies days after he reveals engagement

       SKY'S THE LIMIT Jeff Stelling’s Sky Sports replacement revealed as household name lands gig

       NOT AL-WHITE Ons Jabeur 'kicked off' Centre Court after breaching Wimbledon protocol

       Initially, the scammer may appear to follow the steps used by a reputable seller and agree to a viewing of the pet in its home environment, or with its mum, experts say.

       However, it won’t be long before excuses are made and pressure is applied to make a payment before the visit.

       This might be for the full amount or a deposit.

       Once the money has been sent though, the advert and scammer will vanish.

       Pet lovers have been told to be aware of a number of potential warning signs, such as sellers applying pressure for payment, someone contacting you out of the blue, as well as the seller making excuses.

       Liz Ziegler, fraud prevention director at Lloyds Bank said: “Owning a pet is one of the great joys of life, becoming true companions and part of our families.

       “Fraudsters know this and are ready to take advantage, preying on people’s desire to add another family member to the home.

       “It is infuriatingly simple for a fraudster to upload a fake advert to an online marketplace for an animal that doesn’t exist.

       “Not to mention those posted by appalling, disreputable breeders whose interests lie firmly in profit, rather than animal welfare.

       “Social media companies are making money from these criminals, and those searching for a pet are left heartbroken twice.

       “Once by the loss of hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds. But also by the realisation and disappointment that a pet won’t be joining the family after all.”

       In April this year, Google issued a similar warning about scammers claiming to be selling puppies.

       An official Google memo warned that the scam can take several forms, but ultimately they all follow the same rough format.

       This is trying to tempt the buyer with amazing deals and rushing them into action.

       The memo noted that fake online ads are very common.

       Read More on The Sun

       jackpot! I bought a locked suitcase from an estate sale - I was stunned by the contents

       SUMMER SAVINGS Exact time to shop in summer sales in stores like Primark for the best deals

       In the same month, a couple told how they had paid ￡1,800 for a purebred Pomeranian only to discover they were scammed in the sale.

       If you think you've been scammed, contact your bank or the money transfer service you used – as well as law enforcement.

       2

       Cons involving dogs are up by 19 per cent compared to last year Credit: Getty