Description

I went to patriotshelties.com and clicked on adopt a sheltie puppy and filled out information. I got contacted via email from [email protected] telling me the cost, $700 for the puppy and $250 for shipping. After seveal emails back and forth about the purchase and delivery process they sent me a questionaire. They said the questionaire was needed to ensure that the puppy gets into the right home. They then sent an email asking for the nearest airport, my full name, my house address, my phone number and my email address. They told me the total cost of home delivery was $250 and that they accepted Zelle, Apple Pay and Cash App. I was to let them know my preferred payment and they would send me the credentials for sending payment. They sent me their phone number for Apple Pay. I made the payment of $950 via Apple Pay. They sent me a Contract of Sheltie Ownership, which I printed, signed and sent back to them. Later I got a request for $2000 more on my Apple Pay. I contacted them and asked what that was for. They said that was a mistake and to ignore it. They then said I would be contacted by their pet courier agency. I received an email at 1:00PM from [email protected] giving me the information about shipping and a website to track shipping, https://pawpalsdelivery.com. The tracking site all looked above board with the time of departure and arrival in ATL airport. Then, I get an URGENT, URGENT message from [email protected] at 2:24PM stating that I needed to pay for a Thermal Electronic Crate due to weather conditions at a cost of $850. They said the cost would be reimbursed when the dog was delivered. I was very hesitant to proceed, but after conversing with the breeder via email at [email protected] I decided to proceed. They asked me to send money via Cash App to $kesha41279, which I was very uncomfortable with. Stupid me. I did it anyway. This was a payment to Lakesha Sims. Then at 4:30PM I got another email from [email protected] telling me I needed to pay for an insurance policy and vaccines totalling $1,500. At this point I fully realized I was being scammed. I contacted the breeder at [email protected] and told him I did not want the puppy and wanted my money refunded. He sent me multiple emails telling me he understood my concerns and reassured me everything was on the up and up and his only concern was my complete satisfaction. I kept responding to each one of his emails telling him I wanted to stop the transaction and get my money back. He finally stopped communicating with me. His last email stated he was picking the puppy up from the delivery service and that he would sort everything out. Have heard nothing more from him. This all occurred yesterday, March 5, 2024.