I have no idea how prevalent it is. I think I've had only one such attempt in my 8 years on Rover, Once, I got a strange request and called Rover Customer Support to see if I could verify whether it was a real customer. I got the rudest response from them. Something along the lines of 'yes, he's a real customer.' Well, excuuuuuuuuuze me for asking! I didn't appreciate their lack of concern.
Anyway, the only way to deal with potential scammers is NOT to give out any personal information or requests to discuss a booking outside of Rover's platform. When a customer wants to pay you directly and asks for your address (for a check) or banking info (for an electronic payment), then alarms should go off in your head. Report the contact immediately to Rover Customer Support.
Just because a person hasn't filled out their pet's information on the site or just signed up that day wouldn't necessarily indicate a fraudulent attempt. Many people sign up at the last minute because their regular pet care provider had to cancel out and they are desperate to find someone. Also, they don't think it is necessary to fill out the info, don't have the time, or can't figure out how to do so. When I get one of those, I politely ask them to take the take to fill it out, mainly because there could be information in there that I consider deal breakers and I don't want to waste anyone's time with a M&G, only to find out their dog isn't suited.
Hope this helps.
I just have someone currently pending. Says he needs a quick answer, he is in Dubai, he can only pay by check because his bank isn’t working and now is saying he needs his dog food paid for that is over $1000.
Someone recently just messaged me and told me to text them. He said he was moving from Paris and that his employer would be sending me a check with my payment and bonuses. He offered to pay me way over what was my normal rate and asked me to purchase an insane amount of food.He sent me a check for
over $4000. He was very persistent about me depositing the check. I realized it was probably a scam before it sent through. But be careful!
Happened to me as well. So frustrating and upsetting as I'm a student really in need of money. Rover seriously needs to do something about this.
I had the uncle is relocating from Paris today as well. So aggravating. Why are they doing this? I am really lost because I don’t know what they can get out of it.
just got the same story. Uncle from Paris
I just got the same "uncle from Paris" story! Glad I came here to check! This is frustrating
This person just wrote me today with the same story. There "Uncle from Paris is moving to Alaska". So crappy and I'm so glad I jumped on here to see if it was legit which it was definitely not. The person that wrote me on Rover was a Sarah T and the name of the uncle was Francis Madanda.
I am going through this same Sister/Aunt story from Paris and buying food... I've given them my address and basic info! I am so curious what they are getting out of it! And if anything could come back to me... This is crazy! I am new to rover and I am so glad i checked on here before it goes further
I think its Money Laundering...
Got a request for a Monday Tuesday Wednesday service for her uncle from dublin. Relocating to Charlestown Maryland . Watch out
Yes I got a request a few days ago about a girl’s uncle moving to PA from Dublin. Asking about caring for 2 huskies 3x a week for $250 weekly. I requested a phone call and he said he only spoke French but his English was perfect over text. Go with your gut! Several things strange about his messages.
I got the same 3x a week for $250 for two huskies as well, just today!
Wanted to text/email. This person was moving here (had my local area code) and unable to do a meet and greet. They wanted to pay me right away with a cashiers check and buy stuff for their dog. Went along with it longer than I should of since it was my first scam.
Just got a scam message from a Hilma saying she’s the niece of a guy from Paris moving to CA. Asked me to take care of their Scottish fold cat 3 times a week for $250. Said their employer would give me a check to get items for them. Said his name was Edward Thuram & even sent me a photo of cat!
I just got uncle moving from Dublin to Ann Arbor. The client lives in Minnesota and she asked me to text her uncle directly. $250/week.
I just got a message for someone for her uncle moving from Paris to Woodbridge, VA and to take care of his ragdoll cat 3x a week for 250 a week. I was suspicious so I came here to look it up. Shame because that's good money.