We at DreamersPups don't attempt to be an authority in much, but what I can say is that I have been heartbroken beyond measure listening to a lot of the stories that describe encounters before finding us.
I adamantly believe that scam artists that use their tactics on unsuspecting broken-hearted pet lovers has to be among the worst of criminals.
They take softhearted animal lovers, people who have learned that the only "true love" safe to invest in being that of a beloved pet, and they exploit the opportunity to capitalize on people so overcome with despair a lot of times, that they are incapable or don't want to know that a crime so heinous could be assailed against them.
To add insult to injury, They not only take their money, but their heart, their dream, and their desperate hope to fill that empty space that they're one trustworthy source of love has left behind, in unimaginable grief.
In over a decade and a half I haven't seen people so deeply emotionally injured by a crime involving theft than the crimes that plague this pure hearted pet loving community.
Our beloved pets are associated with love unconditional, and by their very nature represent all in life that is wholesome and true. They are more often than not regarded in peoples worlds as the only source of real trustworthy unconditional love and honesty.
Over the years I've found that people scammed online are often victimized twice in a way, because they then reach out for help to the merchant service providers such as PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App only to find that there is no recourse.
Over the Years, IN MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, I found it to be shameful that a firm, as large and successful as the likes of PayPal, especially of whom promote themselves as choice for consumer protection, would simply inform their clients that since they had been instructed to execute the transaction through "Friends and Family", that they could do nothing to help. When in reality the victim's credit card or bank accounts COULD HAVE been alternatively contacted and strengthened against for fraud protection.
I can't imagine how many thieves have gotten away with peoples hard earned money because the customers of these money changers had no idea how else they could pursue justice. That in itself is criminal to me.
Most victims that I'd spoken to early on were done exactly this way, and it used to infuriate me that humanity can care so little about its counterparts that it would remain silent because... well... That's what you get for "cheating" the system out of your "Goods and Services" fees. How greedy could a company or its employees be.
These victims are often going through one of the hardest time in their lives emotionally than they can even remember, and PayPal will have its people remain silent over a $5, $10, $20 fee?!
Disclaimer: I don't know that they do this on purpose, but seeing so many of these scenarios has honestly caused me to loose hope for humanity in this increasingly automated world. Well maybe not all of humanity, but certainly some PayPal employees... Was it PayPal? I think it was PayPal, but it could have been any of them.
Western Union, Moneygram, Walmart, they have all incorporated measures, but with things that involve matters of the heart, you wouldn't believe the compromises that even very intelligent and well educated people will make just for the ability to hope that the puppy, they are already connected to emotionally, even exists.
I provided a puppy to a victim one time that stated that they had been sent to make the payments over and over through MoneyGram or Western Union, (I can't remember which one) each time for a different unexpected crisis of sorts, the purchase of the puppy, the fee to transport, additional fees, including necessary vaccinations for emergency care of some sort, additional fees required for missed flights, and required boarding, the list of fees they come up with can be unbelievable.
Then if you can't pay through PayPal, Venmo, WU, MoneyGram, Zelle, CashApp, Walmart, etc. They will tell you to buy Google Playcards, or Amazon gift cards, Walmart gift cards, online visa and Mastercards, the list goes on.
WHO WOULD FALL FOR A SCAM THAT SKETCHY? ALOT OF INNOCENT, KINDHEARTED PEOPLE, SUCCESSFUL IN THEIR OWN RIGHT, OFTEN PROFESSIONALS, MANY TIMES YOUNG OR ELDERLY, AND INEXPERIENCED IN THIS TYPE OF ONLINE PET PURCHASING PRACTICES, MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, WHO HAVE JUST LOST THE LOVE OF THEIR LIVES.
...THATS WHO.
This particular woman was going down to MoneyGram or WU for a fourth or fifth time, drenched in tears, because she had been told that if she didn't pay the next fee that the animal control in charge at that airport would not release her puppy without that fee being paid, and that if she could not get funds transmitted, that the local government's animal control enforcement arm would press charges of animal neglect and abandonment, in whatever state on the other side of the country that this puppy was reportedly "stuck" in...
That is where it came to a stop. The cashier eventually told her that she could not force the transaction, because the vendor had beeen "red-flagged" in their system. The woman begged her, but ultimately had to let it go.
... THIS IS THE CONDITION OF THE SCAM VICTIMS BY THE TIME THEY GET TO US.
I haven't figured out yet what all we could do about it, but my life's work will not be finished until we figure that out. I'm sure this blog is a good start.
CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION: PLEASE SHARE!!! We may not be able to single-handedly stop this from happening to everyone, but just like the starfish on the seashore that was returned to the ocean, it will make a difference for that next victim coming behind you.
SO IF YOU HAVE BEEN SCAMMED, IF YOU PUT IT ON A CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD, FILE FRAUD THROUGH YOUR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PLEASE!!!
They don't ALWAYS cover, but often they do, and they need to, because YOU, their client, in one way or another have put your trust in them, and surely paid along the way to be able to utilize that protection. Once you've done that, proceed with the resources below.
There are several resources you can utilize to gather up-to-date information on pet industry scams and find trusted breeders:
1. Better Business Bureau (BBB): Visit the official website of the BBB (www.bbb.org) and search for potential breeders or pet sellers. The BBB provides detailed information, customer reviews, and ratings to help you make an informed decision.
2. Consumer Protection Agencies: Check with your local consumer protection agency or state attorney general's office for any reported scams related to pet sales. They may have useful information and resources to protect consumers from fraudulent breeders.
3. Pet-related Forums and Communities: Join online forums and communities dedicated to pets, such as Reddit or specialized groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter. Engage with fellow pet owners, ask for recommendations, and inquire about any scams they may have encountered.
4. Online Review Platforms: Utilize popular review platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, or Trustpilot to search for feedback and experiences shared by previous customers. Reading others' experiences can help you identify potential scams or unreliable breeders.
5. Local Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations: Reach out to your local animal shelters or rescue organizations for advice on reputable and responsible breeders. They often have connections within the pet community and can provide valuable insights.
6. Online Scam Reporting Websites: Visit online platforms dedicated to tracking scams, such as Scamwatch (www.scamwatch.gov.au) or the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov), to report and learn about pet scams. These platforms may also provide additional resources and warnings to help you stay informed.
Remember, it's essential to conduct thorough research, double-check references, and trust your instincts when dealing with any breeder or pet seller. Authentic breeders will be happy to provide you with necessary documentation and answer your questions openly and honestly.
Be cautious of sellers who only communicate via email, request wire transfers or prepaid cards, or offer unusually low prices. These could be indicators of potential scams.
By being proactive and utilizing the resources mentioned above, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to pet industry scams and find a trusted breeder to welcome a new pet into your loving home.
If you have had an experience that resonates, please share your story, or at least some tips in the comments for those who are going through it in real time. For that contribution, I am eternally grateful. Thank you in advance.
By the way; We are DreamersPups.com You are welcomed to visit us anytime to see and select "real-life" chihuahua puppies.
To See What Toy and Teacup Pups Dreamers Pups has available, go to: Dreamerspups.com ... We are frequently behind schedule on posting pictures and updates, so if you're looking for something in specific, please make sure that you inquire, because we just may have it and not have it published yet!