What the Hack? Episode 207: Kristen and the Phantom Puppy
Jul 8, 2025
A listener shares her harrowing tale of being scammed while searching for a Jack Russell puppy. The scammers employed fake breeders and aggressive tactics, creating a whirlwind of red flags and emotional turmoil. Details like inflated shipping costs and suspicious photos only added to the drama. They discuss vital warning signs to identify pet scams and provide essential tips for safely purchasing pets online. From in-person meetings to verifying references, this conversation is packed with advice to protect yourself from fraud.
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Puppy Purchase Turned Into A Scam
- Kristen found a Jack Russell advertised online and thought she was adopting from a legitimate breeder.
- The transaction turned into a months-long scam involving fake shippers and vanished contacts.
Fake Shipping Company Demanded More Fees
- Kristen paid the breeder then started communicating with a purported shipping company that charged large fees.
- The shippers demanded extra refundable deposits and then became unreachable, revealing the scam.
Police Traced The Scam To Other Cases
- Kristen filed a police report and provided screenshots and transaction records to detectives.
- Investigators traced IPs and linked the scammers to other cases, leading to charges in another state.