FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - An increasing number of scams in recent years has used a seemingly innocent front - puppy advertisements. Alaska has taken the brunt of these scams.

In a puppy scam, the victim responds to a fraudulent advertisement, usually online, and is tricked into paying either a deposit or the full price upfront. Sometimes scammers will continue to tack on additional fees and bills, sometimes citing unexpected shipping problems or veterinary needs. The promised puppy, however, never arrives.

Alaska has reported the highest number of puppy scams per capita, with 4.2 reports per 100,000 people. Alaskans also experience the highest monetary loss per scam, at an average of $3,249.

While puppy scams are not a new type of fraud, their numbers more than tripled in 2020, reaching a total of 2,143 reports that year. This high level was maintained throughout 2021 and 2022. Though 2023 marked a slight decrease in puppy scams, they have already rebounded in 2024.

The average amount of money that victims tend to lose in puppy scams has also gone up, from $965 in 2019 to $1,293 in 2024. The highest recorded scam amount in the past year was an astonishing $60,000. An estimated 88% of these scams are online purchases.

The most commonly mentioned dog breed in Alaska in addition to all other U.S. states, is bulldogs, at 457 reported scams. Dachshunds come in second at 329, followed by Pomeranians, Pugs and Poodles which are all tied for third place at 194 reported scams each.

Before making an online payment, make sure that you can trust the seller. If you think you might have been targeted by one of these scams, please file a report with the Better Business Bureau.

The full study report, from the Outsource2India company, can be found here .