One of the biggest scams Local 4 has seen during the pandemic is pet scams.

Puppy scams are on the rise in Michigan.

We’re talking thousands of dollars. Thieves are preying on your emotions.

A Troy resident was scammed out of thousands of dollars while trying to buy Shih Tzu dogs online, officials said.

DETROIT – A Metro Detroit woman is bringing attention to pet purchasing scams after she was scammed out of her own money. READ: Scammers using coronavirus to prey on grandparents, prospective pet ownersWhen Cindy Riggen saw a boxer puppy online, she fell in love. She spotted the dog being offered by a breeder in North Carolina and arranged to buy the dog. AdThe Better Business Bureau has seen a huge spike in pet scams like that one. READ: Metro Detroit woman scammed out of thousands of dollars when she tries to buy puppy online

LANSING, Mich. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Humane Society of the United Sates are warning consumers about puppy scams as people try to purchase or adopt dogs during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Nessel has reported a surge in complaints of internet scammers trying to exploit people who want to adopt a dog. My office continues to prioritize protecting residents from predatory and deceptive business practices, and these puppy scams will ultimately result in heartbreak and financial loss. Always do your homework before making any purchase online to avoid being taken advantage of.Scammers will also charge high fees to take advantage of victims. Since 2018, the Michigan Department of Attorney General has received nearly 50 complaints of alleged puppy scams - 26 of these complaints came in 2020.