Thanks to the global internet accessibility, online scams have become relatively common. Buying a German Rottweiler puppy online is no different. However, there are always ways to prevent such mishaps. Learn about the most common ways to protect yourself from online fraudsters – here are our tips and trick.
When we recently wrote about the advantages and disadvantages of importing German Rottweilers from Europe, in the disadvantages section we just briefly mentioned that online frauds are relatively common. If you have even visited websites such as BoredPanda, or you know some netizen who frequents such pastime websites, you must have encountered a plethora of posts illustrating online purchasing failures.
Unfortunately, such wrongdoings do happen from time to time, so make sure to take all precautionary measures prior to ordering your puppy online.
Fraudsters never sleep
Distance buying is always risky. If you have ever bought anything online, you know that the ads most often say that the images are for illustration purposes only and that the reseller keeps the right to modify them if needed to do so. That is what they make use of most often, and are quite skilled in it.
Hence, fraudsters are always alert and wait for your tiniest lack of attention to trick you into their trap.
Fraudsters operate online
In accordance with it, there are many fraudsters online who try – and sometimes even succeed – in tricking people into believing they would get what they expect to get: a genuine German Rottweiler champ pup.
They mostly operate online, so if you start browsing the web in quest for a reliable breeder, use all the sources you can find.
How to prevent online fraudsters from scamming you?
Look for various information channels
Website is just one – most obvious – resource, however look for social networks, check their activity logs, get in touch with the breeder via email, telephone calls, skype calls, youtube channels, social media accounts, reviews, forums and discussion boards. Having just one or two information channels is relatively easy to manipulate, but having anything more than that would require a lot more work and would decrease the chances of fake information.
If a reliable breeder is in question, all these channels should complement each other and provide you with enough info on the kennel, the facilities, the origins and the pedigree of the litters.
Ask the right questions
When it comes to contacting the breeder or a reseller, in some cases it is relatively easy discerning one from the other. Only the breeder will be able to answer all your questions concerning proper grooming, healthcare and training of their puppies, so think wisely of questions to ask and what responses you’d expect from a professional breeder.
Questions that may reveal a potential fraudster may be as various as you like. What personality traits should I be informed about? What grooming requirements are there with this breed? What type of exercise does this breed require? Are there any common health problems associated with this breed? Can I meet the puppy’s mother and father? May I see / visit where the puppies are raised? How many litters do you have per year? What type of food do you feed your dogs? What immunization protocol do you follow for your breeding dogs and your puppies? Do the puppies have any type of socialization prior to being sent to their new home? Do the puppies have any type of training prior to being sent to their new home? Are you affiliated with any breeder associations? Why or why not? Do you have references? What guarantees do you offer with your puppies?
Get in touch with previous buyers
Another way to check what the breeder tells you is to ask him to forward you contacts of their previous buyers or clients, so you could personally inquire them on their cooperation and the quality of dogs you are interested in buying.
Breeders who sell their dogs internationally should be able to provide you with contact details of their foreign buyers. Maybe you could ask for some US references and pay a visit and see the dog first hand.
Ask for photos and video calls
To make sure the breeder really owns the dogs he is trying to sell, ask for solid evidence on it. For example, most recent photos of the puppies, or, even better, skype video calls.
They are a truly useful tool, because not only will they confirm the ownership, but also provide you with a first-hand data on the kennel and living conditions of both the dogs and the breeder, as well as clarify any possible misunderstandings.
Some people prefer asking the breeder to make specific types of photos, such as holding a hand-written paper board (with a desired text) next to a dog, or any other similar demand.
Do not shy away from asking for additional data or phone calls for your own piece of mind. You have a legitimate right to demand them, and any experienced breeder will be happy to provide you with them.
The fraudsters will always come up with excuses, such as lack of proper technology, bad mobile signal, low-quality internet connection, etc. if they are uncomfortable with providing you with the details you are asking for or reluctant to do so, they may be trying to cover something up.
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In the long run, the world wide web offers resources to everyone, be it a reliable digital agency working with international clients, or a small organic farm selling its produce to the local community. It is up to us, the users, to think of our own safety and prevent mishaps from happening by learning as much as we can on how to protect ourselves from online frauds. Only that way can we be sure to fully enjoy the possibilities internet has to offer, one of them being buying purebred German Rottweiler puppies online.