Cute puppies for sale? Don’t be fooled Scammers are offering 'AKC registered' puppies for sale at too-good-to-be-true prices. Some of the ads also include photos of very cute puppies. The aim of the scam is to try to persuade potential buyers to pay BEFORE the puppy is delivered to them. Once the money is sent, you will never hear from the scammer again.

This is typical of upfront payment scams. The item to be transacted could be anything - from computer goods to cars.

WHAT TO DO

1. Never pay for anything before you see the goods. Photos are not good enough.

2. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scam artists prey on peoples' greed and desire to get a free lunch.

3. If you are suspicious, ask for a proof of item as well as the proof of identity of the seller.

4. If you think it is a scam, you should report it .