Description

Attempted to purchase a dachshund puppy from a woman in Los Angeles. We had contact for over a week sending messages almost daily with pictures tips and tricks on how to care for pet and discussed excitement over puppies arrival. She sent multiple photos and videos of the puppy where you can hear her voice in the background as well as her children’s. This person apparently went under the name Melysa Johnson. The apparent dachshund selling website was called Cozycrittershome.com she texted me two days before the puppy was supposed to be flown out to me. She stated that she had dropped the Animal off at the pet moving agency and that they should be contacting me again both expressed excitement about the puppy finding a new home. The apparent pet moving agency contacted me numerous times we went back-and-forth about dates and arrangements and that was it The day of puppies arrival I got in contact with the pet moving agency. They stated that she was going to leave LAX at 2:15 PM and should get to me by 5:45 in Fresno. They then called me once again an hour later stating that the puppy was in Las Vegas for a layover and they requested a $1900 pet insurance fee. They stated that this fee was fully refundable and was just going to ensure that puppy was safe. My red flags went up too late unfortunately as I have now already paid the full amount for the dog to the so-called breeder, I went back-and-forth with the pet moving agencies stating that I would refuse to pay that amount as it was outrageous and I was not informed that I would have to pay this amount. I also stated that I was skeptical of scam at this point I contacted the breeder who swore up-and-down that this was a reputable company. I let her know that I was suspicious of something going on and that something didn’t feel right, and I was not sure if she was in on it prior to all of this the breeder had sent me a picture of the puppy with a piece of paper next to the dog stating my name and the date of that day, so I was under the impression this was legit I had filled out contracts with the breeder. As I became more skeptical of the pet moving agency, but also longing for the new puppy I contacted the airlines. I asked the pet moving agency what airline they were using and after a long pause, they told me allegiant I contacted airlines and explained the situation to them and they suggested I put the pet moving service person on a three-way call. We then participated in a three-way call with the allegiant airline representative questioned the pet moving agency asking for confirmation numbers in flight information. The pet moving agency was unable to provide this information and eventually hung up. I contacted the agency over 10 times after this incident eventually, my calls went straight to voicemail and I assume they scammed me and blocked me. I sent a very long message to the apparent breeder and let her know that I was extremely disappointed and upset and was not sure if she was in on it but either way wanted a refund she left me on read and never responded. I am now in the process of hopefully being able to make a successful police report. I really hope this doesn’t happen to anybody else. I’m extremely devastated and believe both the breeder and the pet moving agency is a scam. Both of their websites were almost identical. The only difference being the content that was shared on them.