SCAMMERS ARE ON THE RISE If you are looking to find a new cuddly companion you may have noticed a rise in scammers. Scammers often steal pictures from legitimate breeders and may go so far as to set up a website or social media page. Follow the tips below to insure you are not a victim of fraud. Check to see how long the social media page or website has been active. If there are positive reviews, look at the dates they were posted. Scammers will often pay for false reviews. These reviews are often posted close together. Ask for a secure YouTube channel video or a FaceTime call to see the kitten.. BE SURE YOUR ONLINE PAYMENT I S SAFE & SECURE Avoid untraceable monetary transactions. Scammers will often ask for cryptocurrency, MoneyGram, or for you to use Western Union. These payments are normally untraceable. Calling and talking to the breeder is another safeguard. If someone is unable to speak to you on the phone, this is a RED FLAG !!! A legitimate breeder can provide you with a phone number. PRICING AND ADOPTION FEES A reputable breeder will require you to fill out an application. You must be approved before you can take the next step to getting your kitten. While a deposit is standard, asking you to pay in full is not. REGISTRATION PAPERS & VETERINARY PAPERWORK If you are purchasing a purebred Maine Coon Cat ask about the registration. TICA (The International Cat Association) and CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) are the two most common in the US. The breeder should also be able to provide veterinary records. TIPS TO AVOID FRAUD WHEN PURCHASING A KITTEN YOU SHOULD NOT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU SEE Scammers may offer huge discounts to lure unsuspecting buyers in. A reputable breeder will have pricing within the industry standards. RED FLAG WARNING: If you begin to ask questions and are suddenly ghosted this is a huge red flag !!! RESIST THE NEED TO PAY IMMEDIATELY