Utility and consumer protection officials are warning of two scams that are victimizing vulnerable homebound people during the coronavirus emergency.

On May 13, BBB serving Connecticut reached out to families obeying stay-at-home orders who have turned to the internet to look for a pet, thinking they would have plenty of time to help the pet adjust to its new surroundings.

Many have come across scammers who advertise on websites for animals that do not exist and are never shipped. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has given scammers reasons to ask for money or explain why they cannot see the pet in person before heartbroken, would-be pet owners figure out they have been conned.

Puppy scams like these were the subject of a 2017 in-depth investigative study by Better Business Bureau (BBB), and they are prolific during the holidays. New data from BBB Scam Tracker shows that these scams have spiked since COVID-19 took hold, with more reports about fraudulent pet websites in April than in the first three months of the year combined.

BBB Serving Connecticut has also seen a rise in pet scams in Connecticut. According to BBB ScamTracker one victim in Waterbury lost $1,200 in May 2020 when they were trying to purchase an American Bully puppy.

They were told they could not see the puppy prior to purchase and it could only be shipped to them. The scammer then requested payment via Zelle and after payment the animal never shipped to the buyer.

“Even during this pandemic scammers are adapting their methods to continue taking advantage of people,” said Luke Frey, Associate Director of Communications for BBB Serving Connecticut.

“The weather is getting warmer and many families are now at home with their children with ample time to take care of a new pet. Unfortunately, with social distancing and new restrictions put into place, an odd payment request or denial to visit the pet before purchase may not set off immediate red flags,” Frey added.

BBB’s earlier study found that for these types of frauds to be successful, it is usually dependent on bogus, often sophisticated advertisements to hook unsuspecting consumers. Experts believed, at that time, that at least eight out of ten (80%) of the sponsored advertising links that appear in an internet search for pets may be fraudulent.

Actual numbers of pet fraud may be much higher than reported, because many victims either choose not to file complaints or do not know where to turn for help. Many victims who contacted BBB’s Scam Tracker reported they wanted to adopt a puppy in order to ease their isolation and brighten their lives during the pandemic.

Victims were often told that they needed to send money for special climate-controlled crates, insurance, and a (nonexistent) COVID-19 vaccine. There also were several instances where the consumer wanted to see or pick up the animal, but was told that was not possible due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Exploiting COVID Anxiety

According to Eversource, the local energy utility, scammers are taking advantage of the pandemic, preying on people when they are at their most stressed and vulnerable.

As part of Eversource’s efforts to support its customers and communities during the pandemic, the energy company is reminding people to remain vigilant and protect themselves against scams.

The COVID-19 outbreak has led to an increase in scam activity, with sophisticated scammers finding unique and intimidating ways to exploit people and steal their money during these uncertain times.

“We’re always working to help our customers protect themselves against scams, which is especially important today as sophisticated scammers are trying to take advantage of the uncertainty and nervousness caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Eversource Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Penni Conner.

“Eversource will never demand instant payment over the phone nor ask for personal information in an unsolicited call, text, or e-mail,” Conner said. “We urge customers to remain vigilant and always remember, don’t panic and don’t pay. If you suspect that you’ve been targeted by a scam, please call us immediately at 800-286-2000.”

Here are some things to look out for:

*Calls, e-mails or texts about government stimulus checks: The IRS won’t contact you with information about a stimulus payment, or to ask you for your Social Security number or bank account number. Anyone who does is a scammer “phishing” for your private information.

*Online ads for vaccinations, test kits, masks or other PPE: There are no products proven to treat or prevent the disease at this time and the only FDA-approved home test kit requires a doctor’s order. Be wary of unsolicited ads or e-mails selling masks and gloves. If purchasing protective equipment, make sure it’s from a reputable source.

*Threats of immediate power disconnection or demands for payment: If anyone calls, e-mails or visits your home or business regarding an outstanding payment and threatens to disconnect your power, you can confidently hang up the phone, delete the e-mail or shut the door. Even if you’re having trouble paying bills right now, your power will not be shut off.

*Requests for a deposit to exchange your utility meter: If anyone claims you need to pay for a new meter to be installed because yours is about to expire — feel free to laugh.

See more ways to protect yourself, and hear a recording of a real call from a scammer. And share this information with your friends, family, and neighbors — especially those that are elderly.

Learn more by CLICKING HERE