Beware of Maine Coon Cat Scams 

In a previous post we talked about how to spot a scammer when buying a beautiful Maine Coon kitten, but what happens if have you fallen victim to a scam? It can be disheartening to have your trust and hard-earned money taken advantage of. But don’t worry, there are steps you can take to address the situation.

What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed

 Here’s what you should do if you’ve been scammed when buying a Maine Coon cat:

1. Document the evidence: Gather all the evidence related to the scam. This includes any emails, text messages, payment receipts, or advertisements you have exchanged with the seller. It’s crucial to have a record of all interactions to support your case.

2. Contact the authorities: Report the scam to your local law enforcement agency, providing them with all the evidence you have gathered. They may be able to investigate and take appropriate action against the scammer. Additionally, inform organizations such as the Better Business Bureau or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about the scam.

3. Notify the platform or website: If you found the seller through an online platform or website, notify the platform’s support team or customer service. They can potentially remove the scammer’s account and prevent others from falling into the same trap. Your report can help protect future buyers. But if the scammer is someone who copied a real legitimate breeder’s social media platform or website, make sure you are actually reporting the scammers platform and not the real breeders. Legitimate breeders have lost years of work because they were flagged as a scam, but the scammers site/social media was left up. So if you are unsure of what one to flag, double check first to make sure you are flagging the correct one.

4. Protect others by sharing your experience: Warn others about the scammer by posting your experience on online forums, Maine Coon cat communities, or social media groups dedicated to cat lovers. By raising awareness, you may prevent others from encountering a similar fraudulent scheme.

5. Seek legal advice: If you have suffered financial losses, consider consulting with an attorney experienced in consumer protection or fraud cases. They can provide guidance on whether legal action is viable in your situation.

Stay Cautious!

Remember, it’s important to stay cautious when engaging in online transactions, especially when purchasing pets. Check out this post about how to find a maine coon kitten, and here are a few preventive measures to help avoid scams in the future:

– Research reputable breeders: Take the time to thoroughly research and find reputable Maine Coon breeders with a positive track record. Look for breeders with established websites, testimonials, and positive reviews from previous customers.

– Have phone calls and video chats with the breeder that you are interested in. Ask for referrals and talk to others who have gotten a kitten from them. Remember that most breeders have closed catteries, which means that to protect the health of their breeding cats and young kittens, and because most catteries are located in their private homes where they live with their children and loved ones, they don’t allow visitors. But you can still take many steps to ensure they are legitimate breeders. 

– Never wire money: Avoid making payments through wire transfers or unconventional methods. Use secure payment platforms that offer buyer protection, such as PayPal or credit cards, which can provide recourse in case of fraudulent transactions.

– Trust your instincts: If a deal seems too good to be true or if something feels off during your interactions with a seller, listen to your intuition. It’s better to err on the side of caution and walk away from a potential scam.

By taking these precautions and promptly addressing scams, you can help protect yourself and others in the Maine Coon cat community. Stay vigilant, share information, and together we can create a safer environment for pet enthusiasts.