Victim Location 91307
Type of a scam Online Purchase
We found this site while searching Google for Maltese or Maltipoo pups. We liked one of the photos, so inquired about the pup. We recd a text introducing themselves as being able to arrange fast deliveries nationwide direct to our door. They offered to sell her to us for $860 including deliver from Madison, VA direct to our home in the Los Angeles area. That was a below-market price, but explained we couldn’t go that high. After a few more texts in which they talked about the importance of placing the dog in a loving home being more important than the price, they said we could have her for $400. Although their quick price drop did make us suspicious, we said we would go ahead with the purchase. They then asked for payment by either Zelle or Cashap. Still being suspicious we agreed to pay $200 up front and $200 when the pup arrived. Their tone turned more adamant and they said they wanted $400 up front or we can get a dog elsewhere. After doing another Google search about scams, we found that the Central VA area has had a large number of complaints to the ScamPulse.com from people who have visited these kinds of sites, paid over $1000 for a dog and never saw either the dog or a refund. We then asked if we could see the puppy via Facetime. Their response was a terse "No you can’t." We then said we’d pass, believing this now was definitely a scam, at which time they responded with now nasty comments accusing us of the money obviously meaning more to us than the welfare of their pup, and to take our business elsewhere.