Buyer loses $500 in French bulldog puppy scam

A local buyeris out $500 after sending a deposit to someone claiming to be selling French bulldog puppies online, Waterloo regional police say.

Officers received a report about the scam on Saturday when they were told a person had responded to an online advertisement on a buy and sell website for French bulldog puppies.

The buyer contacted the seller and asked to see the dogs, but that was not possible.

"The seller advised that due to COVID-19 restrictions, they were unable to meet with the potential buyer," police said in a release.

Instead, the seller requested a $500 deposit.

"The ad was a scam, and the potential buyer lost their money," police said, noting the WRPScontinuesto receive similar reports of puppy scams.

"Police would like to remind the public not to send money as a deposit or full payment until they have met the puppy they are interested in buying," they added.

Fraud reports can be made by calling police at 519-570-9777, on the Waterloo Regional Police Service's website or through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.