What is "pet flipping"? Pet caretakers across the U.S. are reporting a growing trend called “pet flipping” where lost pets are being sold for cash. Similar to dognapping, the scam involves a criminal stealing a pet or seeing the animal on a “Pet Found” poster or Craigslist ad and claiming to be the guardian, then selling the pooch for profit. The disturbing trend has been especially on the rise in U.S. cities such as St. Louis, Kansas City, and Indianapolis. The term sounds absurd, along the lines of “cat juggling,” the fake underground gag used for laughs in the old Steve Martin film The Jerk. But apparently, pet flipping is a real scam — and it’s on the rise. In a typical pet-flipping situation, a criminal will get hold of a pet — either by stealing it or seeing the animal in a “Pet found” poster or ad on Craigslist and claiming to be the owner — and then turn around and sell it for a quick profit. It’s a cause for concern for pet owners, obviously, but also for anyone looking to buy a dog or cat. The scam is an extension of dognapping, a trend that the American Kennel Club reported spiking in recent years.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Jul 2013 18:11:38 +0000
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