Pet scams have soared during lockdown, according to fraud reporting centre Action Fraud. It said that it received 524 reports of it in April – more than three times the number in March.

Loneliness was being cruelly exploited by criminals.

Would-be pet owners are strongly encouraged to visit animals in person first before buying, and many legitimate breeders would insist on it to ensure pets are going to loving and responsible owners.

However, lockdown made such visits difficult, and fraudsters sought to capitalise on it.