PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Holiday shopping can be ruff — especially if you're looking for a furry friend to complete your family. That's why the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is urging everyone to do their research, especially when buying puppies or other pets online. Experts believe approximately 80% of sponsored online pet advertisements are fake. "It can be difficult to navigate an online search for a pet without coming across a bogus website," the BBB wrote in a 2017 study. The BBB said scammers often lure their victims in with promises of a rare breed, low prices and convenient delivery. "Simply put, many of the pets marketed online do not exist – at least not as advertised. In virtually all cases, the scammers never own the animals described on the sites," the BBB explained. The BBB said most scammers often request payments via wire transfer or cash app, and will sometimes even ask for gift cards. The reason for this, according to the BBB, is because these types of payments don't leave behind a paper trail and have no recourse for the buyer. Here are a number of tips from the BBB on how to avoid falling victim to a pet scam: Do your research — Only purchase from a reputable dealer. Check online for complaints and read customer reviews before making the purchase. Don’t buy a pet without seeing it in person — If that isn't possible, request a live video call to view the animal, meet the breeder and evaluate the facility. Conduct a reverse image search of the picture of the pet you are considering — If the same picture appears on multiple websites, it's likely a fraud. You also can search for distinctive text from ads or testimonials, to see if the seller copied it from another website. Avoid wiring money, or using a cash app or gift card — These payment methods offer no way to get your money back if you are the victim of fraud. Get a sense of a fair price for the breed you are considering — Think twice if someone advertises a purebred dog for free or at a deeply discounted price, since it could be a fraudulent offer. Consider reaching out to a local animal shelter — Many shelters are looking for fosters to help relieve animal stress and reduce overcrowding at their facilities. Anyone who believes they've fallen victim to a suspected scam is urged to report it using the BBB Scam Tracker. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW