Losses from ‘heart-wrenching’ puppy scams increase 1,000% over last two years

Australian consumer group Choice says people more vulnerable to being ripped off with fake dogs and cats during Covid pandemic

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our free news app, morning email briefing or daily news podcast

For Lea Gemini, it was love at first sight when she saw the French bulldog advertised in the picture, she just had the most gorgeous eyes, as soon as we saw that face, that was it."

But despite paying $10,500, all she got was heartbreak.

Sign up to receive an email with the top stories from Guardian Australia every morning