Dogs and other pets have been hot commodities during the pandemic, and officials say scammers know it.

The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about online puppy scams. It says they're on the rise thanks to the pandemic.

Carly Eidman says she found an ad from someone on Craigslist in Suffolk. She gave them $350 for a deposit on a dog. But it turns out that dog didn't exist.

"She knew a lot about dogs. She had all the right answers," says Eidman.

Eidman isn't alone. Law enforcement and consumer advocates say a person searching for a new pet online is "extremely likely" to encounter a scam listing or website.

The BBB is advising extreme caution when shopping online for a pet. Officials say there were nearly 4,000 reports received about pet scams in the U.S. and Canada this year.

Eidman says she reported it to the police who investigated and told her the scammers had about 25 phone numbers in their name and over 80 different Craigslist scam ads -- and not just about puppies.

"They couldn't do anything about it because it was under $500," says Eidman.

The median loss reported to the Better Business Bureau in 2020 is $750. People between 35 and 55 years old accounted for half of the reports.

Nassau SPCA President Gary Rogers offered some advice as well -- adopt, don't shop.

"There are so many wonderful animals who need homes that are in our town animal shelters," says Rogers. "There are rescue groups. You've got to do your background check on whoever you're dealing with, but go and adopt."

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