While it is common for influencers to collaborate with businesses and advertise their products or services in exchange for free items or payment, one in particular asked for a puppy in exchange for an Instagram post.

Derrick Tan, an animal activist and former para vet with the Singapore Police Force, shed some light on the influencer’s requests in a series of Facebook posts. “Nowadays, ‘influencer’ Sibei daring, got the t*ts to ask on such thing, really no shame,” said Mr Tan, attaching a screenshot of the influencer’s message, which reads:

“Hi, are you guys keen on collaborating with me? I will be able to deliver 1 Instagram carousel post (IGP) and 1 Instagram story post (IGS) – repost of IGP. You guys will need to sponsor me a puppy of my choice. (usually companies sponsor products and remuneration). The reason why I’m keen on this collaboration is because I’m looking for a buddy for my current dog!”

Photo: FB screengrab/Tan Derrick

After checking on the influencer’s profile, Mr Tan revealed a couple more details.

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“Not to howlian or what, the following not even 5 per cent of my following,” said Mr Tan, who has about 5,420 followers on Instagram and 23,220 on Facebook.

He posted an update on Wednesday (May 11), warning others who want to collaborate with such individuals.

In a plot twist, the same influencer is now selling “licensed imported quality puppies.”

Photo: FB screengrab/Tan Derrick

“As you know, it was being shared that an ‘influenza’ that has been writing to many pet stores on asking for collaboration for free puppy (of her choice) by helping them to do an IG post and an IG story, today this happened. ‘Influenza’ selling puppies,” wrote Mr Tan.

“I sincerely and seriously don’t know what has the world become, but well, everyone, let’s clap for her. Your female entrepreneur in the making. It’s sad that I didn’t wanna share the name; well, those looking for people to collaborate with, please be extra cautious on who you are working with,” he added.

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In another update, Mr Tan attached a screenshot, presumably from the influencer in question, that she wasn’t selling the puppies but helping a store promote.

Photo: FB screengrab/Tan Derrick

Netizens expressed criticisms towards influencers in their comments. “Nobody does things for what they genuinely want to do anymore,” wrote Facebook user Edmund Ho.

“It’s all just for social media, likes, comments, and virality. How to have kids? How to bring another human being into a world like this?”

“This is so funny… damn ridiculous.. then if I am hungry, I go find some restaurants for collaboration. If I need a transport, I go find grab or gojek. If I need some clothes, I go find some clothing shop izzit. Walau…these influencers really damn er xin!” said Facebook user Wayne Lim.

“‘Influencer’ is such a vile and disgusting word…” added Facebook user Tong Chih Sheng.  /TISG

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ByHana O