(INDIANAPOLIS) - As holiday pet shopping ramps up, Indiana animal health officials say scammers are ramping up too.
The Indiana Board of Animal Health warns that fake online pet listings and impersonation scams surge this time of year. The most common scheme involves bogus ads on Facebook or websites that look legitimate -- tricking families searching for a new pet.
The Board of Animal Health urges buyers to slow down and verify everything. Officials also urge anyone who receives calls claiming to be from a humane shelter or animal rescue to be extremely cautious. If you've already been scammed online, the Board of Animal Health says to file a report with the Indiana Attorney General's Office.