What Is Pet Scam? UK’s Major Bank Santander Warns of Five-Fold Surge in Fake Online Listings Selling Pets and Duping People

Mumbai, April 1: Santander UK has issued an urgent warning regarding pet scams to prospective pet owners following a dramatic rise in fraudulent listings on social media and online marketplaces selling pets. New data from the bank's "Scamtracker" reveals that nearly Euro 160,000 was stolen from customers between January and March 2026 alone. This represents a five-fold increase compared to the Euro 29,735 reported lost in the final quarter of 2025, signalling a sophisticated new wave of authorised push payment (APP) fraud.

Escalating Financial Impact of Pet Scams

The surge in pet-related fraud is part of a broader trend in purchase scams, which saw more than Euro 3.4 million stolen in the first quarter of 2026. According to Santander, pet scams now rank as the second most prevalent category of purchase fraud by total losses, trailing only vehicle-related scams. UK Shocker: Teen Driver Ploughs Into Rugby Player While Chatting With Friend, Jailed After Video Goes Viral.

Analysis of the claims suggests that criminals are casting a wide net, targeting buyers interested in everything from high-value dog breeds like miniature dachshunds and cockapoos to more exotic animals, including parrots, reptiles, fish, and horses.

Demographics and Tactics of Fraudsters Using Pet Scams

The bank's data highlights that women and customers aged 46 and over are disproportionately targeted by these schemes. Fraudsters typically exploit the emotional excitement of acquiring a new companion to rush victims into making financial decisions.

Common tactics identified by investigators include:

• Upfront Deposits: Demanding a "holding fee" to secure an animal before it is sold to someone else.
• Logistical Fees: Requesting additional funds to cover specialised delivery or climate-controlled transport.
• Health and Admin Costs: Fabricating bills for vaccinations, veterinary check-ups, or "required" immunisations.

The 'Safe Environment' Warning by Santander UK

Chris Ainsley, Head of Fraud Risk Management at Santander UK, emphasised the importance of due diligence. "If 2026 is the year you plan to welcome a furry, feathered, or even scaly companion into your home, it’s vital to do your homework," Ainsley stated. He noted that thorough research not only protects a buyer's finances but also ensures they are not inadvertently supporting unethical breeding operations or non-existent sellers.

Guidance for Prospective Buyers To Avoid Getting Trapped in Pet Scams

To combat the rising trend, Santander has issued a four-point safety checklist for those looking for pets online:

• Social Media Scepticism: Be extremely wary of advertisements on social platforms, which are the primary breeding ground for fake listings.
• Verification Checks: Conduct a reverse image search on any photos provided by a seller to see if they have been stolen from legitimate websites.
• Mandatory Visits: Insist on an in-person visit to see the animal in its home environment before any money changes hands.
• Payment Caution: Avoid paying large deposits or covering incidental costs like vet bills upfront. UK Shocker: Ex-Mayor Naheed Ejaz Spoke in Urdu, Asked Rape-Accused Son Diwan Khan to Hide S*x Assault Video.

As digital marketplaces become increasingly integrated into daily life, purchase scams have evolved into a multi-million-pound industry. By using high-pressure sales tactics and stolen media, scammers are able to create convincing but entirely fabricated listings that bypass traditional online safety filters.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 01, 2026 03:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).