Ranphiscompanions.com

Ranphiscompanions.com is implicated in a pets for sale scam. The breeder lacks a verifiable business address, and the pet images on the website are not genuine, with identical pictures appearing on other fraudulent sites. Content on the website is plagiarized from other pet scam platforms. The domain was recently registered, only 34 days ago, and there are no credible reviews available for the breeder. Moreover, the website is not linked to any social media accounts. What is a pet scam?

Red Flags:

Domain information:

Date of registration: December 19, 2023
Expiration: December 19, 2024
First detected: January 22, 2024
Registrar: Hosting Concepts B.V. d/b/a Registrar.eu
Hosted by: Dreamhost.com
Ownership: Unknown

What is a pet scam?

Online pet scams are a growing concern, where swindlers create alluring advertisements featuring adorable pets, often listed at significantly reduced prices or even offered for free adoption. These scammers are skilled at weaving a web of deceit, using high-quality images and compelling backstories to attract unsuspecting animal lovers. To add a veneer of legitimacy, they may set up counterfeit logistics websites or pretend to be associated with reputable pet shipping companies. Communication with potential victims is usually conducted through popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook Messenger.

Scammers avoid voice or video calls, which could expose their ruse, and instead, insist on text-based interactions. They dodge any requests for live video proof of the pet’s existence. Once the initial shipping fee is paid, the scammer may concoct various fictitious obstacles, such as customs hold-ups, to extract more money for supposed clearance fees. This cycle of deception and extortion can persist until the victim realizes the harsh truth—that the beloved pet they thought they were adopting never existed. This realization often comes with significant emotional distress and financial loss.

Read our full investigation into online pet scams at this link: Pet Scams Exposed

Report Scams to Government Agencies:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Submit a Report
Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) – Submit a Report
U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) –Submit a Report