Increase in online pet sale scams in West Yorkshire - everything you need to know

In their latest update on Covid-19 scams, West Yorkshire Trading Standards said they had seen an increase in reports of fraud involving the sale of pets online.

Scammers will offer cats and dogs via online purchase sites, but excited purchasers are then reporting that the animals are not delivered.

In some cases, the seller will agree a sale price before getting back in touch and demanding more money.

The RSPCA has issued advice to people considering buying animals online, including encouraging prospective buyers to search for the seller's number and email address to see if it has been associated with scams in the past.

West Yorkshire Trading standards said they had seen a fall in doorstep scams during the coronavirus pandemic, but reported rising numbers of fake texts purporting to be from NHS England, as well as scam callers offering to come and 'collect' older people for Covid-19 testing.

Fraudsters have also been contacting people pretending to represent the Department for Work and Pensions, claiming there is an issue with their national insurance number. They will then collect personal information.

Details of any Covid-19 scams can be forwarded to trading standards at [email protected].

For advice and guidance on avoiding falling victim to fraudsters, visit the ActionFraud website.