The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning of an increase in scams involving puppies.
The Lanark County Detachment of the OPP is reporting four incidents of fraud in the past week, including two separate complaints on the same day, of people attempting to purchase puppies online and having their money stolen.
The OPP says it's never a good idea to purchase an animal you have not seen in person and you should never deal with a seller who is unable or unwilling to meet with you prior to payment.
As with all scams, police say if its sounds to good to be true, it probably is.
Anyone who feels they may be the target of a scam, or knows of someone who has been a target, is encouraged to contact their local police force or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
