How does this scam work?

[EddieWalker]

Karen wants another Akita. We have a female and she wants to get a male puppy. She was been looking for awhile and tonight found one for sale fairly close to us. She sent a message to a 508 area code. My first red flag, but not too bad because so many people keep their number after they move. They talked on the phone and she said he sounded like he was from Nigeria. Big red flag. He then said the puppy belonged to his mom in Arkansas and that's where he is not at. Karen thinks he sounds nice and says we can drive there, it's only 3 hours away. He gives her his address and says he can ship the puppy to us, or we can come and get it. He is good either way. She says we will come there and he offers her to send them with a carrier and all his papers. If we don't want him, no problem, the carrier will bring him back. If we do, we pay using a prepaid credit card for $500.

I'm telling her this is a scam and to get some resent pictures, and also to get the name of the carrier who will take the money.

He replied "no" and that's that.

What I don't get is how does the scam work? Will anybody every show up with a puppy? How does he get his money if the puppy never shows up? Will he come up with excuses or some other version of the story to get her to send him the money? Seems hard to believe, but I'm not understanding any of this.

I did a google search of his phone number, (508)921-0629 and found that he has a variety of dogs lists all over the place.

It's not going to happen, I'm just curious.

Thanks,
Eddie

 

[George2615]

It's the same scam as selling tractors and equipment. They usually claim the money is held by a third party they don't have access to until you are satisfied with the tractor, equipment, or dog in this case. Problem is they do have access to the third party (usually a phony company they own) holding your money. Once they have the money the ads and phone they used disappear.

 

[dave1949]

Akita Club of America

Every AKC recognized breed is required to have a breed "parent club." This is where you should begin your search for a reputable breeder.

The scam, probably works something like George said above. But really, who cares? I would only buy a dog directly from a breeder with a good history that is a member in good standing with the breed's parent club.

 

[/pine]

I'm not familiar with the "puppy" version of these scams...but I do know they exist because they work often enough for people to spend their time baiting them...

Americans in general are extremely gullible (for proof just look at the general electorate) and make ideal targets for global con artists...

Did you flag the listing?

 

[PILOON]

So he provided an address that was drivable but I am sure that option would disappear once you were to select it.
Oh, scam for sure, has all the earmarks.
Also a safe one as no LEO will take the time of day to pursue it due to the low price, heck even $5000. scams they ignore due to jurisdictions and costs.

 

[bertsmobile]

Americans are not alone.
A common scam down here as well.
Used extensively to catch greedy puppy factory type who want to cash in on what ever type of dog is hot at the moment.
Always not their dog and at a relations place.
Google the supplied address and oft it is not real, ca vacant lot or in one case the address of a legitimate boarding kennel supposedly selling "unclaimed dogs"

 

[randy41]

it doesn't sound like a scam to me. you don't give up anything until after you are in possession of the dog.

 

[Garandman]

508 area code is eastern Massachusetts south of Boston. So that's odd. Lots of red flags here.

 

[Ranger Rick]

Has Karen looked at the Akita breed rescues? Here is one in east Texas that has some nice looking dogs. https://www.facebook.com/LoneStarAkitaRescue
Here is a link to other rescue groups in Texas Texas Rescue Groups: Purebred Dogs | Pet Adoption & Animal Rescue Pawsitively Texas

We have adopted several dogs over the years from rescues without any problem. They can have some sweet dogs. Rick

 

[Looking4new]

Sounds like a way to part gullible people from their money. Eddie, tell your wife to run! The other way.