LOCAL reports of a puppy-related scam have prompted a police warning.

North Wales Police's Community Safety Central team - covering Conwy and Denbighshire, is warning of the scam that is "still catching people out" - with a couple of local cases reported.

It sees perpetrators advertise puppies for sale and request a deposit, typically around £300. Once they have the money, they break all contact, with there never being a puppy for sale.

Variations on this scam include the victim paying for shipping costs, vet's fees and insurance, and police say scammers are increasingly using the Covid-19 pandemic as a reason why the puppies can't be viewed before sale.

A police spokesperson said: "To avoid becoming a victim do as much research on the seller as you can. Trust your instincts, if it doesn't feel right then it probably isn't.

"If you decide to make a purchase, never send cash and avoid bank transfers. You will have more protection from fraud by using a credit card or payment service such as PayPal."