TULSA, Okla. — It’s so easy to fall in love when you see that playful little bundle of fur and scammers are counting on that to put the squeeze on your wallet.
Lori Hayes felt an instant attachment to the puppy in an ad. She found 10-week-old Barbie offered online and reached out. She said the seller claimed, “I’m hundred percent legit. No scam, I promise you.”
Hayes missed the first clue this could be a scam.
“They wouldn’t take credit card, they would only take Zelle or gift cards. So at this point, I’m desperate. I sent them the money. It was $650 for the dog and $250 for shipping. I sent it through Zelle so they had $900.”
Two days later she received an urgent email saying they need an additional $980.
“I want this dog, so I Zelle them the money.”
Hayes then received a flight number to ship the puppy and another urgent message. “Stating there are customs fees for the dog at JFK airport. I think that was $1,500.”
Hayes called that airport. A worker confirmed no fee like that existed, but according to Hayes, the wasn’t letting up.
“They said your dog is stuck in the pound, it’s not getting food, it’s not getting taken care of, the conditions are horrible at the airport and it’s your fault because you’re not paying this $1,500 fee that the airport had supposedly implemented in keeping the dog on top of the $1,700-$1,800 I already paid them
When Hayes stopped sending money the scammer stopped responding to her.
“I’m thinking I’m getting a pug,…
