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"Another doggone scam" - 5/29/2007 4:52:52 PM

Vendaval

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(click on the link at the bottom for details)

"Another doggone scam" "Groups say to be wary of any ad or site that, for free or for a bargain, promises adorable puppies --
the new face of the old Nigerian money scheme." By David Colker, Times Staff Writer
May 29, 2007
" And now for the latest scam from Nigeria — puppies.

The Council of Better Business Bureaus Inc. and the American Kennel Club today plan to issue a warning about fraudulent websites, MySpace postings and print ads asking people to help save puppies who are in desperate straits.

The sites and ads usually show adorable puppies that somehow have become stuck in Nigeria or other countries, and are offered free to new owners. A variation is to offer the puppies, such as purebred English bulldogs — a particularly expensive breed — at vastly discounted prices.

But free or not, people who had responded to the ads eventually were asked to send hundreds of dollars to cover such costs as shipping, customs, taxes and inoculations on an ever-escalating scale.

Some reported paying fees totaling more than $1,500.

"It's like the Nigerian advance-fee scams we've been seeing for years, except with the face of a puppy," said Steve Cox, a council vice president.

No matter how much was paid, no puppies arrived. Even the pictures — showing sad-eyed puppies with folds of skin so loose it looked as if they were wearing bunched-up sweaters — probably were fraudulent, mostly lifted from legitimate websites of unwitting owners.

Which leads to the only good news about the situation. "When people hear about these scams involving pups they get so upset for the poor dogs," said Alison Preszler, a council spokeswoman. "But at least I can say to them, 'There are no real puppies involved. It's all a fake.' "

The problem is real and growing, however. In the last couple of months, local bureaus across the country increasingly have been getting complaints, Cox said.

In April, a New York woman was charged with grand larceny, accused of collecting payments for English bulldog puppies she was advertising for sale online and then failing to deliver. The woman allegedly told local investigators that she shared the proceeds with a Nigerian accomplice.

There are several variations of the scheme. "

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-puppyscam29may29,1,5628185.story?coll=la-default-underdog&ctrack=1&cset=true

(format edit)

< Message edited by Vendaval -- 5/29/2007 4:55:26 PM >

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RE: "Another doggone scam" - 5/29/2007 8:14:44 PM

Sinergy

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At around the age of eight years old, I was enjoying Thanksgiving in the snow at my grandparent's cabin up in the mountains. After dinner, the turkey was put outside on the deck in the snow.

A dog jumps over the fence, grabs the bird, jumps back over and takes off.

My grandparents lamented that "doggone bird" ever since.

Sinergy

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RE: "Another doggone scam" - 5/29/2007 8:30:44 PM

mistoferin

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I have been searching for an English Bulldog puppy for a girlfriend of mine and I have come across this scam often in the last several weeks. It seems to be very popular.

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RE: "Another doggone scam" - 5/29/2007 8:32:41 PM

Vendaval

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Any good leads on finding an English Bulldog puppy that is bred within a reasonable driving distance?

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RE: "Another doggone scam" - 5/29/2007 8:35:46 PM

mistoferin

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Not one whose owners haven't suddenly become missionaries that got transferred to Barcelona or Nigeria...lol.

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RE: "Another doggone scam" - 5/29/2007 8:42:10 PM

Mikal

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Here's a link to a site that specializes in rescue dogs.. they do have English Bullies, and not all of them are rescued do to abuse. Some are from homes where the owners have passed on, developed debilitating disease, etc. Also, some breedes are listed as well (I think).

When I bought my Bully, I started off reading magazines dedicated to the breed, as well as ones that showcased certain breeders. IMO, your best bet would be to call the AKC (American Kennel Club) or other such associations, and ask them for references. You should (imo) specify that you are looking for a breeder than is breeding in longer necks and/or snouts (this is now acceptable as the Clubs recognize that the shorter necks & muzzles are cruel and not needed). Above all else, if buying from a breeder, BUY FROM A REPUTABLE BREEDER! Bulldogs are expensive at the best of times (expect to pay roughly $1000.00/yr on vet bills), and getting one with health problems only leads to unnecessary suffering and heart-break.

Anyway, here's the link: http://www.petfinder.com/search.html

Good luck!

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RE: "Another doggone scam" - 5/29/2007 8:46:36 PM

Sinergy

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If I get another dog it will be a retired greyhound. They are lovely and friendly dogs who like nothing better than to lie at one's feet and bask in one's presence.

Never let them run off the leash where it is not fenced, they go really fast and tend to be rather nearsighted.

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RE: "Another doggone scam" - 5/29/2007 8:47:33 PM

Real0ne

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well she was a crook nonetheless.

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RE: "Another doggone scam" - 5/29/2007 9:02:19 PM

mistoferin

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Thank you very much. I 've spent a lot of time over the years in the circles of dog folk, so I've got some pretty good connections. I'm aware of the cost and have a couple of breeders in mind...they just don't have any pups at the moment or they have a waiting list. I will probably end up going with one of those even though the wait may be long because I know the quality of their animals. A rescue is not something out of the question provided I could get adequate background on the animal. My own dogs are both rescues. Thank you once again, I will check out the link.

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"I did it! I admit it and I'm gonna do it again!"

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RE: "Another doggone scam" - 5/30/2007 12:31:06 AM

Vendaval

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One of my English professors has a few retired greyhounds.
They are very attractive dogs and quite friendly. I would take
heed about the letting them off the leash when there are small
animals running about! lol

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"Beware, the woods at night, beware the lunar light.
So in this gray haze we'll be meating again, and on that
great day, I will tease you all the same."
"WOLF MOON", OCTOBER RUST, TYPE O NEGATIVE

http://KinkMeet.co.uk

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RE: "Another doggone scam" - 5/30/2007 1:12:02 AM

farmbound1

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check out www.bestfriends.org for some great rescue dogs. this organization can tell you a great deal about the animals they have rescued. they also have a no-kill policy and believe every animal deserves a home and people who love it. i believe they do have some english bull dogs.

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