Scam Type
Online Purchase Scam
Date Reported
2023-05-01 00:00:00
Victim Postal Code
46168
Total Dollars Lost
2650
Scam Description
I contacted Lester from his website lesterhomes to adopt a nine-week old maltipoo puppy. I have never bought a puppy from out of state but his website seemed credible and the reviews seemed reputable. We got in contact over gmail where we discussed the payment process. We called on the phone only once, but he seemed to be normal and genuine. I was told that the overall fee for the maltipoo puppy would be $900 (700 for the puppy, 200 for the shipping). I was then given a contract to sign that confirms that I will take care of the dog, get her checked up at the vet days within her arrival, and also be refunded the money if I were to receive her late or not receive her at all. I signed and sent the $900 over Zelle. Unfortunately, that should’ve been red flag number one. After payment, I was told she’d be ready to ship in two day. Two days later I was contacted by the pet transportation company WPCARGO Premier Pet Transportation. I was given a tracking number to track the order on their website, premierpettransportation.com. Everything went smoothly until I was emailed from the shipping company that an urgent crate replacement for the dog needed to be replaced, unfortunately I fell for the excuse they gave about the weather conditions and the original crate not being well ventilated, and paid the money they request, 1,050 over Zelle. I was told that I would be refunded with a 75 percent reduction once she arrives to the final destination. Then an hour later I receive another email from the same company requesting an unexpected vaccine fee they had to give the dog because of her age and her exposure to other animals in the plane. $700 with a promised refund. It was only until the last email they sent me that requested an insurance payment before for $500 was I smart enough to step back and realize I’m being scammed. There was no dog and the designated airport had no affiliation with the pet transportation company. I have all the emails and transactions through Zelle saved and screenshotted
