CrimeStoppers and the Honolulu Police Department would like to inform the public of a puppy scam.

There have been reports of people attempting to purchase a puppy online from either Facebook Market Place or Craigslist. The sellers are requesting a deposit in order to ship or to hold the puppy. The buyer then pays the initial deposit, but the seller then ends all communication.

Be careful when making purchases online and do not pay a deposit to the seller before receiving the puppy. We encourage the community to make animal purchases through a reputable pet store or consider adopting one from the Hawaiian Humane Society or rescue shelter.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (808) 955-8300. The public may now send anonymous web tips to www.honolulucrimestoppers.org or via the P3 Tips App.