Olathe woman scammed out of $1,500 in Facebook puppy purchase
By Matt Flener
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OLATHE, Kansas (KMBC) — An Olathe, Kansas, woman seeking a therapy dog for her son was scammed out of $1,500 on Facebook Marketplace when a puppy delivery never arrived.
After her experience, Kristen Crandall has a warning for anyone looking for a dog on Facebook.
“I’m hoping eventually this person gets caught,” Crandall said.
On Dec. 22, Crandall began communicating with someone she believed to be a breeder on Facebook Marketplace about a new Cane Corso puppy.
The supposed breeder requested payment through text messages using gift cards.
The breeder assured her that a delivery driver would bring the new puppy, but the driver never showed up. The delivery driver also demanded payment, saying he was holding the dog at a location in Johnson County, until she paid.
Crandall said that during the process, she believed there was a real dog involved. She eventually realized that the pictures and videos of the dog were created using AI.
“So today I’m at the point where I’m out of money. I’ve got no dog. Lesson learned,” Crandall said.
Crandall shared her experience to warn others to slow down and ensure any dog seen online is also seen in person before any money is exchanged. She now plans to look for a companion for her family at a shelter.
Crandall said Olathe police have opened a fraud investigation into the case.
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