“[Rescue organisations] will also face a lot of negative feedback from the public about charging adoption fees when we’re covering vet work and other expenses.”

Victims often respond to online advertisements through Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, before being directed to a fake website and then paying for the pet via a bank transfer.

When the pet fails to arrive, victims are unable to contact the original seller and the courier company.

Johnson said she heard about people falling for these online scams constantly, including one of her organisation’s own foster carers.

“She sent out thousands of dollars for a puppy which never arrived,” she said.

“Anyone, even people that are aware of what can happen, can easily be sucked in.”

Johnson believed it was mostly young and elderly people who fell for these scams.

“They’re more vulnerable, and they’re desperate to get smaller breeds because there are so few in rescue,” she said.

“Particularly elderly people, they’re very lonely, and they will go and pay the money thinking it’s a genuine advert when it’s not.”

Along with these online scams, the increased demand for pets has sent prices skyrocketing, with pet lovers forking out thousands to get their dream animal.

Dog owner Kellie Baker paid $2500 for her 6-month-old pure-bred border collie.