Victim Location 10128
Total money lost $800
Type of a scam Online Purchase
On instagram I Direct Messaged an Account "Aspuppies" about available puppies they had discussed for a long time even asked for references. After a while I decided to proceed with a down payment only after I was promised a full refund if I changed my mind.
Maurice Jones who I was speaking with provided me with the Zelle account to transfer the down payment funds to "[email protected]" I sent it – sent screenshot of it being sent he "liked it" then shortly said he couldn’t log into the account I had to cancel the funds. I attempted to and couldn’t. Tried with my bank and couldn’t it was already delivered. I told him this — this began a whole situation.
Because of this I started digging more – asking for proof of life of the puppy. No response. Researched the references provided saw another post from the person I spoke to for the puppy I just purchased under a different name and sex. I provided a screenshot to the business and they told me to ignore it! This was the time I said I actually want a refund at that moment OR a video call with the person I was speaking with with the puppy I purchased who was named "Coco" – I was told to relax and we will have the video call. That video call never happened. I then saw they deleted their instagram account "Aspuppies" and their "Main" account had blocked me even when they said they didn’t. I have another Intagram account where I was able to communicate with them on "Eastpuppies" where they have a main contact – Phone number: 424-477-2235 and email address is [email protected]
I was told by this person that Maurice Jones was sanctioned and had been suspended for such an irresponsible act" yesterday and that I should receive the funds. I then realized I could request the money via Zelle to the same user the way I sent it. No response. I emailed the user and received the following message: " Look I don’t know who are or whatever damn scam Yu are with but stop ******* emailing me. Wrong person *******"
I then provided the screenshots of all transactions and detailed even if this wasn’t you you received the $800 that wasn’t meant for you so to please send it back and looped in the business contact email as well.
I have heard nothing since. I made an incident report with the Lancaster Police – the area where the "business" is located. I am unclear if this is real or not but they definitely are scamming me out of this money.