The lender is advising Brits to be cautious of social media adverts.
Santander UK has issued a warning after a surge in pet scams (Picture: Getty)
Santander has issued a warning after a surge in pet scams noticed nearly £160,000 was stolen from prospects. Information from the lender confirmed the staggering quantity was taken by scammers from prospects responding to listings on social media and on-line platforms providing pets on the market.
The £160,000 stolen between January and March this 12 months compares to a complete of £29,735 reported stolen as a consequence of pet scams within the fourth quarter of 2025. Information from the financial institution signifies girls and prospects aged 46 or older are notably prone to be focused.
Chris Ainsley, head of fraud threat administration at Santander UK, mentioned: “If 2026 is the 12 months you intend to welcome a furry, feathered and even scaly companion into your private home, it is important to do your homework.”
Santander says it’s best to do your homework earlier than shopping for a pet over social media (Picture: Getty)
Mr Ainsley added: “At all times analysis the vendor fastidiously and select respected sources. Taking these steps will not simply shield your funds – it additionally helps guarantee your new pet has come from a protected, and accountable setting.”
Frequent techniques utilized by scammers embody asking for cash upfront as a deposit, requesting funds to cowl supply of a pet or cash to cowl vet payments and immunisations.
Claims obtained by the financial institution have concerned a variety of animals, from fascinating breeds of cats and canine, resembling miniature dachshunds and cockapoo puppies, to parrots, reptiles, fish and horses.
In whole, greater than £3.4million was stolen by way of buy scams within the first quarter of 2026, with pet-related scams being the second largest rip-off by way of losses after automobile scams, based on the financial institution.
Santander UK urged folks to be cautious of social media adverts, which it mentioned is a typical place for criminals to put up pretend adverts for pets.
The financial institution additionally advisable doing background checks on the vendor and the pet. It steered reverse picture looking out any photographs to see if the animal has been listed elsewhere.
Asking to see the animal earlier than shopping for and being cautious about upfront funds are advisable by the lender too.
Dr Rasha Kassem, who leads the Fraud Analysis Group at Aston College, mentioned Santander’s figures spotlight a pointy enhance in pet-related fraud.
She mentioned that as with most fraud, the figures are prone to understate the true scale as a consequence of under-reporting.
The knowledgeable mentioned: “The emotional nature of pet purchases makes this fraud notably efficient. Consumers are sometimes motivated by urgency and attachment, which criminals exploit.”
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Dr Kassem added: “Tackling pet fraud requires a mixed effort. Customers can play a task by remaining alert to warning indicators, however prevention can not depend on vigilance alone. Better accountability should sit with platforms, monetary establishments and regulators.
“Recognising these incidents as fraud – not merely scams – is important to making sure they obtain the eye and coordinated response they require.”
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