Animal lovers to beware of internet scams after members of the public paid hundreds of pounds for puppies that never arrived. Bogus sellers asked buyers to pay for the dog’s transportation from overseas, said a Suffolk Police spokeswoman. One woman from Rendlesham sent £350 to an address in Africa after she was asked to pay the cost of transport and half the shipping company bill for a Siberian husky puppy she saw online.

Animal lovers to beware of internet scams after members of the public paid hundreds of pounds for puppies that never arrived.

Bogus sellers asked buyers to pay for the dog’s transportation from overseas, said a Suffolk Police spokeswoman.

One woman from Rendlesham sent £350 to an address in Africa after she was asked to pay the cost of transport and half the shipping company bill for a Siberian husky puppy she saw online.

She was then told more money was needed for permits to get the dog into England as it was stuck at an airport. But when she contacted them, airport officials said there were no dogs awaiting shipment, according to the spokeswoman.

Similar scams involving breeds such as English bulldogs, King Charles spaniels and pugs have been reported recently, with UK buyers usually enticed by puppies.

The spokeswoman said: “Police are urging anyone considering buying a dog off the internet to be cautious and not to send money if there are any doubts the seller may not be genuine.

“In many of these cases the buyers have transferred money to banks or addresses in Africa – despite the seller often giving a story that they are UK based.”