BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- The Michigan Attorney General is reminding consumers to be mindful of puppy scams that become increasingly popular over the holidays as many adopt or purchase puppies as gifts.

State officials highlight the fact that many people enjoy gifting kittens, puppies, and other pets to loved ones during the holidays, which creates an atmosphere ripe for scammers to exploit.

"Michigan residents in recent years have been tricked into paying for pets that do not exist or have adopted pets with undisclosed health issues, behavioral complications, or falsified medical records," Michigan Consumer Protection Team officials said. "Attorney General Dana Nessel recently launched an investigation into an unknown individual on the pet adoption website RescueMe.org who is accused of misleading Michigan consumers by allegedly falsifying vaccination records for an animal sold through the website."

Sometimes, sites will also advertise dogs that do not even exist. They will charge large fees and demand payment up front and the customer is left with nothing to show for it.

“While the holidays inspire many to bring in the joy with a furry friend, it’s important consumers exercise caution when searching for a new pet,” Nessel said. “Always thoroughly research any online purchase to ensure you are not the latest victim of a scam.”

Scammers also take advantage of the holiday season bugs that go around, using it as a reason to avoid in-person visits and demand additional fees.

Tips to help consumers spot and avoid puppy scams:

• Make sure the person you’re gifting the pet to wants the pet and is ready for ownership
• Research the breed and breeder
• If the breeder claims to have registered the puppy, research the pet
• Do not purchase a puppy sight unseen
• Arrange for safe transport of the pet
• Use a credit card to make the purchase. If it turns out you have been scammed, it is very unlikely you will ever get your money back if you have paid through cash, check, or through platforms like PayPal and Venmo
• Retain all documents and communications from the breeder
• Consider contacting your local shelter for adoption

According to the State of Michigan, each year, consumers in the U.S. spend more than $1 billion buying puppies without realizing they may be doing business with scammers, puppy mill operators, or both.

Puppy mills are inhumane dog breeding operations that keep dogs in overcrowded and unhealthy conditions and, depending on location, many are not regulated or inspected. Breeders hide their poor conditions by meeting buyers at offsite locations or selling through pet stores or online.

Michigan has a website that lists the most popular holiday scams, along with info on how to avoid them.

Michigan consumers who believe they have been a victim of a puppy scam can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team.