In this week’s Target 2 Consumer Alert roundup, a warning about fake emails and online pet adoption scams.
CONSUMER PROTECTION PHISHING EMAILS
Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection works to alert citizens about scams and fraud. Now impostors are using the agency’s name to rip people off.
Impostors are sending out phishing emails with the agency’s acronym, DATCP.
The fake email reads, “Wisconsin DATCP has sent you a PDF via Adobe® Cloud. Kindly read through and respond with the required details. Open in Adobe®.”
Do not click on any links in these emails. They are fakes.
The real DATCP says scammers are trying to collect credit card numbers or personal information.
Messages from the actual DATCP will have the suffix wi.gov or wisconsin.gov.
PUPPY SCAM
Cute, cuddly puppies are being used as online bait.
The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau says they’ve received recent reports of this pet adoption scam.
Watch out for online advertisements for puppies. The BBB warns that these ads look legitimate, but they are the work of scammers who have no dogs to sell.
Red flags: The scammers are not local. They request payment by wire transfer. They tack on extra fees for crate rentals, pet insurance, and vet bills.
If you are in the search for a puppy, check your local humane society or shelter.
If you’re looking to purchase a dog, check the seller’s references.
Ask to see the pet in person before you hand over money.