Consumer Alert: Puppy scammers using old Animal Services form

Pinellas County Animal Services and Consumer Protection are advising anyone looking to purchase a puppy to be wary of sellers using an older Pinellas County Animal Services form. 

The County has been made aware of a scam in different parts of the country in which fraudulent sellers are using the “PCAS Animal Ownership Change/Transfer Form” shown above to extract information from potential buyers and add a false sense of credibility to their fraudulent business. This form was previously used for transferring ownership of animals previously licensed in Pinellas County to a new owner, not for points of sale, and is not currently used by the County. 

If you are looking to buy a dog and received this form from Pinellas County Animal Services, it is likely a scam. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact our Pinellas County Animal Services shelter at (727) 582-2600, option 8. Our customer service team will be happy to assist you. 

If you’re adopting from us, we will not ask you to complete this form. 

Sometimes it is hard to spot fraud when it is happening. Scams can be large or small, sophisticated, or simple, but the people behind them have two things in common: They want to steal your money and avoid being caught. The reality is anyone could fall victim to a scam, no matter your age, intellect, or economic status. Most consumer transactions are completed satisfactorily. On occasion, however, any consumer could experience unresolved problems such as defective products, erroneous bills or non-delivery of goods or services. 

When you are confronted with such a situation, the dedicated employees of Pinellas County Office of Consumer Protection are here to assist you. Investigators are available to speak with you regarding a consumer transaction at (727) 464-6200 or via email at consumer@pinellas.gov.