Finding a new best friend

Staying at home has become a bit of a trend. It started with COVID-19 restrictions, but now it's the rising cost of living that's seeing many of us choose to forgo cinemas, restaurants and shopping centres in favour of staying in.

-  Samantha Ireland

It's hardly surprising then, that we're craving a little company. My Facebook feed has been full of friends posting photos of the cute puppies and kittens that have joined their families.

In fact, more than two million Aussie households have welcomed a pet into their home since the beginning of the pandemic.

Unfortunately, this has seen a rise in pet scams.

According to Choice magazine, losses from pet scams have increased by over 1000 per cent in the last two years at a cost of $4.2 million.

Not only are people losing money, but they're also having their hearts broken when the pet they've been waiting for never materialises.

THE SCAM

Fake breeders set up attractive-looking websites and social media pages advertising puppies and kittens for sale.