Looking for a ferret friend to add to your “business”?  Beware of those who promise ferrets – but are out to defraud you!  Here’s how to avoid being scammed:

Never Prepay
Scammers will often ask for a pre- or down payment to hold the pet for you.  They will ask to be paid through services such as Venmo, Paypal, CashApp, etc.  NEVER DO THIS! Never pay for a pet until you have it in your hands, you have examined it, and you are taking it home.  Asking for a prepayment: this is a RED FLAG for fraud.

Location “Switch”
You contact the site and are told that the pet is at a different location than advertised. This is HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS.  Usually the scammer will demand a down payment so that they can secure the pet for you and arrange for some kind of transport to your location.  Say "NO" - this is a RED FLAG.
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­Visit the Facility
Request to visit the facility and meet the pet. This allows you to see the state of the facility and the animal.  Even if you are not located in the area near the animal facility, you can say that your friend or family-member can stop by.  If they refuse to allow a visit at the animal's location:  this a RED FLAG.

Animal is to be Shipped to You.
Reputable breeders, shelters, welfare organizations and even pet stores and other retailers do not ship ferrets to noncommercial recipients. If shipping is discussed:  this is a VERY BIG RED FLAG.      
 
Do  Your Own Check
Ask for the full name and street address of the individuals you are dealing with. Check to see if they are “real." 

• Check the street address (by using Google maps or a realstate site, such as Zillow).
  
• Search the individual(s) involved in the transaction on the web (by looking for a website, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media) to ensure that you are interacting with a person who is who and where they say they are (e.g., in the United States, in the city, state, etc.). 

Search for REVIEWS online. If you are having doubts or questions, often others have seen the same ads or invitations, and their experiences are important. 

Make sure that the organization is “real” and not impersonating another organization. This can require a phone call to the named organization you think you are dealing with.  If you cannot confirm the association, do not pursue the transaction.  There will be other opportunities to locate your next ferret!

Note: If you come across a scam regarding ferrets, let us know!  Contact:  [email protected] .