Beware of new puppy buying scam

A new warning about a pet buying scam that's targeting people in the Bay area and beyond.

The Better Business Bureau says its investigation found criminals that are luring victims with phony online ads often using stock photos of cute puppies.

People are told to wire money for the animal and never hear from them again.

The BBB found most of these online puppy scams can be traced back to the West African nation of Cameroon.

They say the best way for people to protect themselves is to see the pet in person.

The Better Business Bureau found about 80 percent of online ads for puppies and other pets may be fraudulent.

The agency is also forwarding its findings to police departments across the country and the FBI.

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