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DeWine Warns Ohioans Of Online Puppy Sale Scams

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The state's attorney general is warning Ohioans to be on the alert for scams involving too-good-to-be-true offers for puppies or other pets for sale online.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine says his office has received more than 25 complaints in the last two years from consumers who said they paid for a dog or other pet they found online but never received. DeWine says the average loss of such scams is more than $1,000.

The attorney general says warning signs include a low cost for a dog of a popular or expensive breed and sellers who seek additional fees beyond the agreed-upon price. Consumers also should be wary of breeders communicating only online or via text message and of pets offered "free" to a good home.