Heartbreak in Chattanooga: Holiday Puppy Scam Leaves Couple $800 Poorer
The holiday season is usually a time of joy and excitement, but for one couple in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this year has brought nothing but disappointment and heartache. Janice Luvera and Bill Williams had their hearts set on bringing home a Boston terrier puppy for Christmas, only to find themselves victims of a devious online scam.
Dreaming of a New Puppy
After the loss of their beloved dog, TC, the couple felt it was time to open their hearts again. They joined several Facebook groups dedicated to finding loving homes for Boston terriers. It was there they came across what they believed to be the perfect puppy—one that would fill their home with joy, laughter, and puppy cuddles.
A Trusting Gesture Turns Sour
Initially, everything seemed to check out. The seller claimed to be an admin of one of the groups and was based in Illinois. The couple, eager to secure their puppy, agreed to pay a $200 deposit. However, things took a turn when they attempted to use PayPal for the transaction. “This should have been my first red flag,” Bill admitted, as the payment wouldn’t go through. Instead, the seller insisted on receiving the deposit in the form of an Apple gift card.
Promises Turn to Threats
The day came when the puppy was supposed to be transported to their home in Chattanooga, but that excitement quickly fizzled when they were hit with an additional request. The seller demanded another $600 for a crate rental fee. “They promised to reimburse us upon delivery,” Janice recounted. Things only worsened when the couple refused to fork over another $1,000 for a so-called certificate of insurance. That is when the threats rolled in—disturbing messages that preyed on their eagerness to welcome their new furry friend.
“The two different ones were attacking me in two different ways, just saying, you know what’s going on? The puppy’s being held up,” Bill recalled. It was a deeply stressful situation that left the couple feeling fearful and vulnerable.
Common Scams Preying on Pet Lovers
Unfortunately, scams like this are more common than many realize, especially around the holidays when emotions run high. Gidget Knight, Vice President of the Better Business Bureau, emphasizes this alarming trend. “As many as 80 percent of online pet advertisements may be fake,” she stated, urging pet lovers everywhere to be cautious.
Important Steps to Avoid Scams
For anyone considering adopting a pet online, Janice has sage advice: “Do your due diligence and trust your gut.” She encourages others to thoroughly research sellers, check reviews, and even request to meet pets in person whenever possible. If something feels off, it’s best to walk away.
Those who believe they have fallen victim to a scam are encouraged to report their experiences to petscams.com, which investigates and works to shut down fraudulent operations. The importance of raising awareness about these scams cannot be overstated, particularly during a season that should be filled with joy rather than heartache.
Moving Forward
Though the couple is left $800 poorer and with an empty spot in their home where a puppy was supposed to be, they are determined to share their story to help others avoid a similar fate. In a world where scams thrive online, it’s essential to remain vigilant and skeptical. After all, no one should have to experience the type of heartbreak that Janice and Bill have faced this holiday season.
