Description

I had reached out to them via their facebook page to inquire about Anatolian Shepard puppies they had available for sale. Initial inquiry was where they were located and how much they were asking. Which they replied with what gender we were looking for (which makes sense since gender typically changes the cost for a puppy). To which I replied and then they sent me three photos presumably of the males they had. I then had to ask again where they were located and how much. They replied with the age of the puppies, that they gaurantee health of their dogs then provided the location. Next they sent a video of some of the puppies. I asked again regarding the price and was finally informed that it is $500 for males/$600 for females. I advised I needed to discuss with my husband and may have more questions. The next morning they replied with "waiting". I did not respond until the next day inquiring about sales/purchase contract, how exchange of the puppy would happen, requested more photos/videos, how payment works if we proceed, then if there was a deposit or transportation costs. Then I asked how big the parents were, asked for referrals and since i only had the original 3 images and we liked one of them, I informed which one we were interested in. They replied OK and informed that they needed half as the deposit to secure my puppy then they will start the paperwork, then I sign those documents. The contact person also informed that they can deliver the puppy and accept Zelle or Chime as payment methods. They stated to proceed they would need my contact information (name, address & contact info), after that then they needed the deposit of $250 (along with a photo proving payment was sent). Once deposit has been received then they could being the paperwork and would make arrangements for pickup or delivery of the puppy. I inquired if delivery was extra which they respond "No". I proceeded to ask if the puppy was current on vaccinations for their age and if I would receive paperwork proving that. They replied yes they are. Once they processed the paperwork they will email everything. I replied the next day that it was a big decision and that I was apprehensive due to the number of pet scams out there. They replied that they understand there are dozens of pet scams. Then assured me that they will not hurt or fail my family, as they have a family of their own. If it doesn't feel right it was okay. But if I trusted them I would not be disappointed. Shortly after that I replied that we would proceed. Provided my name, address, email and phone number. They replied with what payment method I would use. Awhile later they replied to provide me her "sons" zelle account ([email protected], Zelle Name Thomas Brown). They also asked for the puppies name which we did not know. Then they asked for us to provide screenshot of the payment for confirmation. Which we provided (as it only shows the amount/recipient/confirmation#). A little while later they stated they would confirm receipt. After quite some time I messaged again because I had not heard back from them regarding when I would receive the paperwork because I had checked multiple times and nothing had arrived. Eventually they replied with when we would like to welcome our puppy. I responded with essentially an open schedule and they said they would deliver on Sunday. I advised that delivery would be better for us. I was told they would arrange delivery and the agency would bring our puppy to us and the agency would contact us to provide a delivery window. Then I asked if the balance would be paid via Zelle as well. Sharing our excitment to add our selected puppy to our home. I followed up a few hours later again regarding the paperwork which still had not come. Then 2 hours later again requesting for updates. They finally responded "tomorrow okay, and apologized for late response due to being busy with work". I clarified to make sure both the puppy and paperwork would all be taken care of on Sunday. To which they confirmed all of that would happen. Sunday morning they messaged informing me that my puppy had been registered for delivery. Also just then did they inform me that there would be some 'refundable' delivery fees that would be explained to me by the agency. I received a text message supposedly from the agency asking me to confirm the details for my anatolian delivery, however, I still had no paperwork and no clue the breeders info since no paperwork had been provided. I explained that this new info seemed odd as I was told delivery was no additional cost but now there were "refundable fees". I did not know the name of the agency and had nothing in writing about the process. I was told in response to my concerns/questions that they would send the paperwork that day once they were done. The reply received was to "assure me" that Swift Route Logistics will reach out to me directly to explain the refund procedures and my money would be refunded as promised. A quick search of that company name showed they were based in the UK. So I message the 'breeder' that i had received a text from 'the agency' to confirm delivery but I was not comfortable doing so without paperwork for any of this. I also shared that at this point there was too much info lacking that I could not in good concious proceed. The zelle account was for her/their son, the address/name in the pickup information of the text from the agency was for someone else and a google search of that address showed a small home not the farm that the puppies were claiming to be raised on. I asked if we could just come pick him up, or by the silence and slow replies if I should assume they were a scammer. I got a reply that they were busy and would get back to me soon. By 5pm on Sunday they tried assuring me the Swift Route Logistics was a legit company they have used in the past. That they understood my concerns and would work on their process in the future to improve it. And I was then asked for some time to complete the paperwork as they have been busy. At this point my husband was upset that they had our deposit of $250 but we had no paperwork and they were not properly addressing our concerns or handling our situation so he was sending angry messages and commenting on the facebook post that they were likely scammers. But stated they would clear everything up....By 6pm I messaged that nothing seemed to be adding up. They had photos of dogs that were on other websites/facebook pages and my trust was lost and I requested for a refund since they had advised I could get my deposit refunded if I changed my mind. They apologized for their slow response, tried to reassure me that the process was still ongoing and to wait for their confirmation before sending any money to the agency. Tried to assure me they were trustworthy and would never scam anyone. The delays are due to having a busy schedule. They also told me to calm down. Monday I was told to have my husband stop spamming their page. Then they blocked both of us from their facebook page. I responded that I would be happier with a refund of my deposit. I had lost all confidence in their legitimacy as an actual breeder with puppies available. I also pointed out that several of the photos on their page were found on other facebook pages. Monday evening I messaged and asked for an update of the status, refund, still in progress...nothing. Then Tuesday I messaged telling them I asked my husband to stop as requested, which he had. Asked where my explanation was, update or if they would clear all this up. I offered to retract our statements if they make the situation right. As of today I have no updates, no responses and no refund of my deposit. So all of this leads me to believe I was a victim of a puppy scam.