TIM DREW: Beware of pets being advertised for sale online

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The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) and Action Fraud have recently noticed a rise in the reporting of pets, and in particular puppies and kittens, being advertised for sale via popular online auction websites by fraudsters.

They will often claim that the pet is currently held somewhere remote or overseas.

Upon agreement of a sale, an advance payment by money transfer or bank transfer will usually be requested, followed by further requests for advanced payments for courier charges, shipping fees and additional transportation costs. Delivery of the pet will, inevitably, not be forthcoming.