POLICE and trading standards are warning members of the public to be aware of a scam offering dogs for sale and transportation from Scotland.The Force's Contact and Control Room has received a number of calls this week from concerned dog enthusiasts who believe they have been duped.

POLICE and trading standards are warning members of the public to be aware of a scam offering dogs for sale and transportation from Scotland.

The Force's Contact and Control Room has received a number of calls this week from concerned dog enthusiasts who believe they have been duped.

In once instance a woman from the Norwich area paid �1,000 up front to secure a dog she saw advertised on the internet - the money was to allegedly cover animal, shipping and vet fees.

On another occasion a man from the King's Lynn area paid more than �200 up front after replying to an advertisement for a dog on a national newspaper's website.

In all cases reported to the police the callers have been initially told the dog will be coming from Scotland and money is required up front.

More money is then requested for shipping/quarantine fees and if they do not pay up the “seller” makes threats to report the person for animal cruelty.

Norfolk police would like to take this opportunity to remind people never to buy an animal off the internet or from an unknown seller but to go to a reputable, local breeder or sanctuary.

Norfolk Trading Standards has also been contacted by residents who have responded to online adverts offering “free” puppies, only to find out that fees are then demanded.

Ann Jackson, senior Trading Standards Officer, said: “This is a typical advance fee fraud where money is requested to be sent by Moneygram money transfer and in all cases reported to us the money has ended up in the Cameroon.

“We would advise against responding to any such adverts and never to send money in this way. You will end up disappointed with no refund and no puppy.”