Description

Cheryl shared photos of available puppies for adoption and asked to be contacted by Facebook Messenger at the end of September. I reached out and selected a cute yorkie and was quoted a cost of $400. I originally thought the breeder was in Oklahoma as I'm in Texas and said I needed to check my schedule for when I could drive up to get my new companion. She indicated she was actually in Charlotte NC and could ship the puppy via freight for $150. So I confirmed multiple times all in would be $550 as I have very limited discretionary income and was tapping into my small reserve for this transaction. Was assured that was the total cost. On 10/2 I was instructed to utilize Apple Pay and pay $225 for the first half due on the puppy. I've never used that method of payment and thought Cheryl was amazing to guide me through the sign up process. She notified me the funds were received and she was heading to the transit company to send the puppy that day!! Within an hour I received a text from blue [email protected] with a website (bluefreightlogistics.ltd) a tracking number and request for my street address, phone number and email information. I then get a text in order to send the puppy a special crate that is air conditioned along with a nanny to ensure safety a refundable $700 deposit was required and I would receive 98% back once the nanny and carrier returned to NC. I did't have the extra $500. I was then told to send what I can and Cheryl said she would cover the difference and we would work it out once I got the refund and the puppy. I was able to overdraft my checking account and deposit into another bank account I have for emergencies. I was able to transfer $500, but was having a difficult time loading the Apple Cash Card from my other bank. I was told to send the $500 to a different individual at [email protected], but my card wasn't cooperating so was instructed to go ahead and send to Cheryl since the $225 already went through to her. I finally got $500 loaded onto my Apple Card from my original bank and sent to Cheryl. I then get a disheartening text "only $200 to go". So Cheryl wasn't sending the puppy. Friday 10/3 I was able to finally send the $200 to the logistics company and was ecstatic when they sent a photo of a gal preparing my puppy crate for delivery. I texted Cheryl letting her know I got the full $700 paid to the logistics company. I no more than did that then a text comes in from the logistics company again stating $1500 was required for insurance and quarantine services requires this insurance and if I don't pay it within 1 hour the puppy would go into quarantine for 2 months and the parties related to to the pet (me) will be sent to a court of law for pet abuse!! I called bullshit and said I was tapped out and was actually penniless until I got the deposits back. I notified Cheryl under NO circumstances to take the puppy to the logistics company and I was cancelling the order for the puppy and wanted my money back. She said she was shocked and would take to the logistics team. I was then told to "send what I can". I again stated I'm flat broke and want everything cancelled and refunded. She told me she would follow up with the logistics company today 10/4 and they are both MIA. I was a total idiot thinking the reviews and happy customers on Cheryl's FB page were legit. The page was created January 9, 2023 so didn't think it was fly-by-night, but see now 16 reviews with 100% recommend rate should have been a red flag. The FB Page Id is 110460565269140 and the cell number she gave me was (312) 409-1703. Blue Freight Logistics Ltd appears to be real, but again tricky. They are listed with a USDOT number of 1362644 out of Pomona CA with a phone number of (310) 882-9472 and it appeared there was an location in NC at 5027 Christenbury Rd, Charlotte NC 28269. I was texting the freight company at (773) 885-9195 and to a [email protected] and blue [email protected]. At this point I can only file a complaint with the FTC and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau once the government opens up plus notify the Texas AG. Any other suggestions