Description

We had been looking for a pair of miniature highland cows and found this site on the internet. I reached out via the contact link on the webpage and a short time later, received a text from 669-221-4197 from someone claiming to be Joe from Joe's Mini Cow Ranch. I asked if there were any miniature Highlands and he sent me a couple of pictures (One named Jason and the other Milo). I asked for additional information about the cows to including shipping costs and the cost to perform castration of the males. His comment was $150 each and to ship to my state, $570. Cost of the cows was $1200 each. I made a deposit via PayPal which began the same as it turns out. His text was to send to the PayPal extension @AsiaOdom. I submitted the payment and noted that PayPal flagged it as a potential scam and unfortunately, I did not take that advice and overrode the message sending the payment. The first PayPal extension I was told to use was @AsiaOdom. Once the funds were sent I then noted that the funds were immediately moved out and were now gone from my PayPal account. The seller then texted back and told me he gave me the wrong extension and offered a second one which was @AsiaOdom155. He did say that the first one was an old extension but still had access. I told him to get the funds that way as I was not going to send any further to any additional accounts. He texted a short time later and confirmed receipt of the funds. I asked for a receipt to which he did send one to my email account. I was starting to grow suspicious already and over the next week or so I asked for several current photographs and a video of both cows to confirm they really did exist. I was constantly told to "trust" and that he would send me something. After an additional several days he did send a couple of videos and for the most part they appeared to be legit, however, I still had some concerns. The communications were limited as he made commitment to send me information by a certain date and never did. He got extremely agitated because I continued to press for more information and pictures and on at least one occasion I threatened to cancel the order. He calmed down and we set up a delivery date. The trip would take two days and I would be put in contact with a shipper who would provide a link to show the status of the cow location. I also asked for a video of the cows as they had been loaded onto the trailer and never received anything. The first day reflected a late start and a location which indicated they were heading towards the final destination. The map viewer only provided a shap shot as they reached key checkpoints (Another indication of a scam). The second day was the final break and confirmation this was a scam. They map application showed them at a point that was only 150 miles or so from the final destination when I noted in the travel log that the delivery was now placed on an insurance hold. I immediately called the shipper and asked what that meant. His response was, it's a standard request when we move through states that some states require a livestock insurance policy. In this case the state was West Virginia and they had stopped in Charleston, the state capitol. He said he would no longer move the cows unless I paid an additional $1400 to cover the cost which was only $60. I asked why so much and he said dont worry, once the cows are delivered then you will get a full refund minus the $60. I challenged this and he said it was something the shipper should have told you up front and that they should have taken care of. I immediately called Joe with no response. I texted and got no response. I then reached out to the shipper and asked for a video and pictures of the two cows to include some of the landscape/structures in the background so that I could confirm the location. He replied he would get with the driver and I should have the images quickly. Multiple hours later, nothing. I called both the shipper and seller - Nothing, I texted both - Nothing. I went to the additional effort to confirm my suspicion and sent a text to both saying I was on the way to Charleston to pay the $60 and to please provide a good address. Nothing was heard back. There appears to be two or more Joes Minicows ranches on Facebook and online. The one I listed in this complaint is still showing as active. Several lessons learned, if you use PayPal, don't fall into the friends and family option. If it's a business, use the business option to send payment regardless of how much they complain. PayPal can't help you if you send to Friends and Family. If you think it's a scam and you are getting a red flag from Venmo, PayPal etc, then most likely it is a scam so dont fall for it. In addition, I tried to use the video solution to help confirm my fears this was a scam and in the end, it proved to be a useful tool. The shipper appears to be part of the scam as well and the entire process was a well orchestrated scam that was able to secure money from me. As I said, the website still shows active and the phone number that Joe used was 669-221-4197. The website is https://minicowsranch.com. They may have some cows in reality or access to them, but they are not a legitimate business and will take your money and WILL NOT refund it.