Question
I have been scammed by a person who said they are a breeder on Facebook. She FaceTimed through Messenger, and I saw the puppy. I sent her a deposit of $500.00 through Zelle, but I have no contract. This women has been stringing us along for the past 2 days and she was supposed to be bringing me them, then something comes up. I don't know what to do. I don’t have her phone number or address. She would not call me or text me on my phone. Everything was through messenger. I was just wondering what my options were.
Louisiana, USA
Answer
There have been many reported instances of scams where people alleging to be breeders accepted money for animals who did not even exist. People who believe that a breeder or person who represented himself or herself as a breeder owes them money can sue to try to get compensated. Small Claims Courts are user friendly and it is inexpensive to commence a lawsuit in these courts. The Louisiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and consumer protection organizations can also be contacted.
Consider adopting one of the wonderful animals at shelters and rescues who are waiting for a loving home.
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