Ontario Family Loses $1,000 in Kitten Adoption Scam

During the pandemic, pet adoption scams surged, and such fraudulent activities continue to affect unsuspecting families. A Toronto family recently lost $1,000 in a kitten adoption scam while trying to provide emotional support for their daughter.

Incident Overview

Xochilt Palocios and her family were seeking a kitten for Xiomara, their eight-year-old daughter who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. Concerned about potential allergies, they chose to adopt a Balinese kitten, known for being hypoallergenic.

Contacting the Breeder

The family discovered a supposed breeder on Instagram. Initially, the breeder priced the kittens at $2,500. After explaining their budget constraints, the seller reduced the price to $1,000. Recognizing this as an affordable option, the family proceeded with the adoption.

Financial Transactions

The Palocios family was instructed to send $1,000 via e-transfer before receiving the kitten. Shortly after, the breeder mentioned additional veterinary fees of $300. When the family refused to pay this extra charge without first seeing the kitten, communication ceased.

Realization of the Scam

Palocios noted, “At this point, we got highly suspicious.” They received no response to their emails, and the breeder blocked them on Instagram. It became clear that they had fallen victim to a scam, having lost the $1,000.

Advice to Avoid Pet Adoption Scams

The Toronto Humane Society (THS) offers several tips to help potential pet adopters steer clear of scams:

• Be cautious of sellers who use stock images or stolen photos of pets.
• If the seller makes excuses to avoid a meeting, this should raise suspicion.
• Before making any deposits, request proof that the pet exists. This could include asking for a live photo or arranging a video call.
• Watch for signs of scams, such as low adoption fees or requests for additional payments for shipping, insurance, or veterinary services.
• Always seek in-person meetings before handing over money.

Emotional Impact

For the Palacios family, this incident was disheartening, as they anticipated the kitten would provide companionship for Xiomara, especially as she prepared to return to school. “I wanted the kitten to be a little friend she would have when she came home,” said Palacios.

This heartbreaking experience serves as a reminder for families seeking pets to exercise caution and verify all details before making any financial commitments.