Woman loses $2K in puppy scam

Published 10:48 am Thursday, February 19, 2015

An Austin woman is out $2,200 after she tried to buy a purebred German Shephard online for her daughter.

Police Chief Brian Krueger said the woman was scammed this week by alleged dog dealers after she tried to buy a puppy on the classifieds website www.hoobly.com

According to Krueger, the victim contacted the dealers on Tuesday about the puppy and was told she would need to put $500 on a prepaid card to get the dog, which was allegedly located in St. Charles, Missouri.

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Once the victim sent money out, the dealers called her to ask for $1,740 — $60 for shots, $1,400 for travel insurance, $240 for a ventilated crate and $40 for a microchip. The dealers told the victim they were in Nebraska and had to deal with weather and travel issues, which would cost more money.

The victim once again sent money out on a prepaid card and was told she should expect the dog Wednesday morning. Yet the dealers asked for more money Wednesday, which prompted the victim to report her ordeal to police.

Krueger urged residents to be cautious when making deals online, and to check for reputable businesses and ways to pay for goods and services.

“Obviously this is very disappointing,” he said.

The case has been turned over to detectives.