Warning over online 'puppy scam'

Ann Miller and her children with their new puppy

A woman's attempts to take up an online offer of a husky puppy "free to a good home" has prompted a Trading Standards warning against internet scams.

Ann Miller, from Caithness, made a complaint to officers at Highland Council after she was asked for her payment details and �121 upfront.

The fee was asked for to cover the dog's delivery to her home.

Trading Standards urged people not to give out personal details to people they did not know.

'Identity fraud'

Miss Miller and her children now have a puppy which she sourced locally.

She found herself caught up in a convoluted series of phone calls and e-mails after spotting the online offer.

Alistair Thomson, Highland Council's head of Trading Standards, said Miss Miller had had a "lucky escape".

He said: "Our message is for all consumers to be wary of giving out personal details either online or over the phone when buying goods from people they do not know.

"Consumers can lose not only cash from their bank account but may also fall victim of identity fraud."