As the popularity of pets apps has grown, so has the risk of fraud. One type of fraud that pet owners should be aware of is overpayment check fraud, also known as Zilla fraud.

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Photo by Alexander Mils on Unsplash

Overpayment check fraud is a type of scam where the scammer sends a check for more than the amount owed and then requests that the extra amount be refunded. The check will typically be for a large amount, such as several thousand dollars, and the scammer will ask the pet owner to return the excess amount via wire transfer or another method that is difficult to trace.

In the case of Zilla fraud, the scammer will typically claim to be interested in purchasing a pet from the owner. They will send a check for more than the asking price and request that the excess amount be refunded. The scammer will then cancel the check before it has a chance to clear, leaving the pet owner with a loss.

Pet owners who fall victim to this type of fraud not only lose the money they refunded but also the pet they believed they had sold. They may also face legal action from their bank for depositing a fraudulent check.

To protect yourself from overpayment check fraud, it is important to be cautious when selling a pet through an app. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  1. Only accept payments through a secure method. Use a payment processor such as PayPal or Venmo that provides protection against fraud.
  2. Be wary of buyers who offer to pay more than the asking price. This is often a sign of a scam.
  3. Wait for checks to clear before refunding any excess amount. It can take several days for a check to clear, so be patient.
  4. If you receive a suspicious request, do not hesitate to contact the app’s customer support team. They may be able to help you identify and avoid fraudulent activity.

In conclusion, overpayment check fraud is a serious threat to pet owners who sell their pets through apps. By being cautious and following these tips, you can protect yourself from this type of scam and ensure a safe and successful sale.

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