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SCAM ALERT
HOLY WHISKES

Disclaimer and Warning

Please be aware there are a number of pet sales scam operations. Frequently these companies or individuals will not reveal a physical address or even the names of the individuals other than a website and business name and will request large payments upfront for kittens. It is highly suggested that you do adequate research about the catteries and individuals prior to sending money. HOLY WHISKES strongly recommends that transactions with breeders be undertaken with the same caution and due diligence as one would devote to any important business matter.

Website Red Flags:

  • Not Registered with TICA, CFA, or ACFA

  • You may see some websites that are using the Association's logo, sometimes multiple logos. Check the TICA Database and other Associations for registered cattery validity.

  • "Copy and Paste" Descriptions for Kittens

  • Gender on Kitten Profile Doesn't Match Description

  • Images Can Be Found on More than One Website

  • No Names or Physical Address Listed on the Website

  • No Phone Calls

  • Sketchy Payment Methods

  • Lack of Social Media Presence

Don’t Send Money Before You Feel it is Safe!

What You Can Do to Avoid Being Scammed:

Take your time when researching a cattery to make sure that they’re a credible source.
Here are some tips on how to research a cattery that you’re interested in:

 

  • Don’t Buy on Impulse. Take the time to get to know the breeder and their cats. Follow them on social media for a while to see the interaction and responses between them and their followers.

  • Verify that they are a registered cattery.

  • Verify that the kitten is in the possession of the breeder by asking for photos or videos of the kittens, with a piece of paper with the current date and your name written on it.

  • Ask for references from several people who have acquired a kitten from the breeder.

  • Speak to the breeder on the telephone. Have a real person-to-person discussion.

  • Ask the breeder about the characteristics of this breed. They should be happy to discuss their breed with you.

  • Ask the breeder about their health guarantee and what diseases /conditions are covered.

  • Ask the breeder how the kittens are raised and socialized.

Source: https://www.tica.org/phocadownload/userupload/Dont_Get_Scammed__Buyers_Beware-UPDATE.pdf

Reporting a Scam:

You can report a pet scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at FTC.gov or by calling 877-FTC-Help.

You can also report a scam to:


Petscams.com
Tracks complaints, catalogs puppy scammers, and tries to take down fraudulent pet sales websites
Better Business Bureau
Report a scam online using the BBB Scam Tracker
Your credit card issuer
If you provided your credit card number, even if the transaction was not completed

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