A puppy scam involving a fake website has left several North East residents out of pocket.
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Police are investigating the fraud, which involves people paying for a dog and shipping.
Just before the puppy is sent, the customer is asked for highly inflated pet insurance costs with threats made to report the purchaser to the RSPCA if they don't take it out.
Beechworth Sergeant Mal Clarke said a resident in the region had been left devastated after losing money.
They had been trying to buy a Border Collie.
"The puppy was $1000 then $320 for delivery," Sergeant Clarke said.
"The amount they requested for insurance was $2800 and that's when the alarm bells went off.
"The victim said they have their own pet insurance but the seller refused to acknowledge that.
"They buyer has requested a refund and have had no further communication."
Police are making enquiries about the matter, with similar cases in the region also being examined.
The incidents have occurred in recent weeks.
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Sergeant Clarke said people should be wary of websites.
"They've been really distressed, especially leading into Christmas," he said of the victim.
"They've had their heart set on this type of puppy.
"It appears they've been fleeced."
The officer said the website appears to be legitimate.
But he urged people to thoroughly check out sellers to see if they are registered, if there are comments online supporting the business or warning against the business, and to see if the business is registered with ABN numbers.
People should also look for inconsistencies in pictures online.
The scam comes as puppy prices rise sharply due to COVID-19 as more people seek company at home.
Many breeders are asking about $5000 for some breeds, up to nearly $10,000.
The RSCPA warns people about buying pets online without meeting the animals first, and says reputable sellers also won't sell to people without meeting them.
