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Important information

• Additional Info:

  Since our initial investigation, BBB has identified at least fifteen (15) other fraudulent puppy sites, which are included in this Business Profile, and it's almost a certainty more will be added.
  
  Based on reports received, Better Business Bureau believes the following are fraudulent online entities; www.starpuppyshop.com, www.championpuppyshop.com, and www.downtownpuppyshop.com. The websites were created under private registration on 9/25/2017, 10/25/2017 and 11/22/2017 respectfully and are identical in nature, down to the puppy pictures and "verified buyers". There is no contact information on the websites and all communications are done via email. Consumers wishing to purchase a puppy have been instructed to send payment via wire transfer - a hallmark of fraudulent online pet schemes.
  
  It appears that the operators behind these sites will go to any length to get their money. One near victim from North Carolina received a threatening email from one of the sites, when the wire transfer didn't go through.
  
  BBB advises consumers to always be cautious when purchasing pets online from unknown parties.
  
  * Beware of ads with multiple misspellings and grammatical errors; many pet scams come from overseas and scammers often do not have a firm grasp of the English language.
  
  * Do not send or wire money to people you do not know.
  
  * Always contact BBB before proceeding. If we have no information about the alleged company ask us to investigate.
  
  * If purchasing a pedigree pet, be sure the breeder provides documentation of the parents' registration with the appropriate kennel club.
  
  * Verify any information provided by the seller before providing any funds.
  
  If you are a victim of an online puppy scam, BBB encourages you to file a complaint and/or customer review as well as report your experience to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov and the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov.