Scam Alert

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Welp, I got scammed.

Swindled.

They say a sucker’s born every minute, and well, that sucker…was me.

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*Sigh* I am not proud of this. But alas, here goes…

Ever since my mom’s stroke, I’ve always thought that it would be a good idea to get a dog. A little source of positivity running around at our feet. A little therapeutic nugget for my mom to nurture and take care of.

So I did what any good millennial would do — and shopped for one on the internet.

And let me tell you — I found the cutest teacup poodle. Yes, teacup poodle…as in, it fits…in a teacup. It only gets to be about 3 pounds. More squeak toy than ferocious fido, but the perfect little bundle of canine joy.

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I was in contact with the seller. Made travel arrangements. They had a beautiful website. I had read the reviews, seen multiple photos of this dog, talked to the guy on the phone. Even had a tracking number for little Gabanna’s flight.

Complete. Scam. 

And as if the humiliation of my stupidity wasn’t bad enough…I had already paid. In full.  In cash.

If you hear that, it’s the sound of my stomach dropping and splattering on the floor. That and the shattering of my dignity.

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The company was called “NewLife Poodles” — so just a heads up if you’re in the market for a glorified hamster. Beware.

But as I was putting away the dog crate and chew toys, and returning the puppy food and leash to the pet store, I couldn’t help but reflect back on the lesson I learned here.

And I’m not simply referring to the fact that one should not buy a dog on the internet.

[[ I know that now…]]

Driving around, feeling really bummed out, having gotten my hopes up about this dog, I just couldn’t stop thinking about one thing — what type of person would make a living lying to people about puppies??

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I mean, how does that person sleep at night? How can that person look in the mirror, knowing that they’re just blatantly taking advantage of people’s hearts and wallets.

What do they do, wake up and think, Who’s the sucker gonna be today?

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And after a quick little stint of being angry, I began to feel sorry for that man.

And, maybe I should’ve been a little more angry, but really, my heart just broke for that man, thinking…how did he get there? How did things get so bad that he had to resort to being a con artist, scamming innocent people about puppies, no less.

It’s a sad, sad thing.

Thinking about it more, I realized that I’m passing all this judgment on this man, and the fact is, I am really no “better” than this con artist.

Granted, I might not be scamming people on puppies, but I’m guilty of my fair share of horrible things too.

How many times have I thought a judgmental though about someone? Lost my patience or had a quick temper? How many times have I been passive aggressive or said something hurtful, that I knew would hit in a particularly sore spot.

The answer? More than I’d like to admit.

I mean, look at the manipulation and lying and hurtful words I spewed during my anorexia.

I am no better than that puppy scammer.



Who’s to say that the crap I’ve done in my life is any “better” or any “worse” in God’s eyes.

I think it’s really timely that this came to a head on Easter weekend.

Because the fact is, Jesus took on it all.

The puppy scammers, and bedroom door slammers, the gossip slanders. Everything.

In the grand scheme of things…it’s just a dog.

Sure it makes me mad, and it’s unfortunate, but I’ve got to just keep things in perspective: no one had a stroke. No one died.

And even though I want to rip that guy a new one, I know that what I should do is pray for that man.

I’m not there yet…

But, if Jesus can die on the cross for those who put him there, then I can let this go.

Perspective, Caralyn. Perspective.

[And yes, I did report it to the Better Business Bureau.]

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beautybeyondbones

BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

360 thoughts on “Scam Alert”

  3. wow…anything I am thinking is too judgmental, hence putting me in the category with the scammer 🙂 The best and worst thing you can do is pray for this man. Best for you and him because the Bible tells us pray for our enemies, those that would do us harm. You would be doing what God wants and if the puppy scammer is willing(free will and all) he will turn is life around. The worst thing is if you pray for him and he doesn’t use his free will to turn his life around, well my friend, the punishment God will inflict on this man is worst than, you, me, the better business bureau, or any other thing on this planet can do to him. I can say, I am sorry this happened BUT I can see it as another Divine exam for you. Will she be forgiving and pray for this “enemy”, put her faith in Him, ooooor lol. I’m betting you will do what He wants you to do;) :):) hugs xoxxo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. hahaha thank you so much. Yeah, that is definitely a tough one. Because it’s hard to pray for those who hurt (and steal from!) you. Ugh. Gosh, these tests…. 🙂 JK JK…bring them on!! 😉 thanks for the encouragement and thoughtful response! big hugs to you xo

      Liked by 1 person

      1. This is a good thing. God only gives us the exams that He knows we are READY to pass 😉 He doesn’t set us up to fail. So, just think how well He thinks that you’re doing right now, and how much faith He has in you right now to be able to pass this test 😉

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      3. yes, well that positive twist is just as much for me as for you because this was a crappy thing for a person to do. Who cons people over puppies. I have to believe that there is a higher purpose for this. If not, my thought process goes to hell is going to be full 😉

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  4. Takers get the Honey Givers sing the Blues- Too rolling stoned- Robin Trower- Takers have to keep taking to get their fix and it is progressive so they have to keep thinking of more elaborate ways to keep getting high-It’s an addiction I believe

    Liked by 1 person

    1. hmmm…I’ve never thought about it that way but gosh, I think you’re right! I would think there is definitely an addictive aspect to it. a thrill. Gosh, that just makes me sad to think about. that poor guy. thanks for stopping by. big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I recently downloaded a meme that said, “Don’t judge someone for sinning differently than you do.” Ouch. Touche. And you’re a better person than I am for feeling sorry for him and wondering why he would do such a thing. (I have my theories…)

    Note to your followers: PLEASE ADOPT, DON’T SHOP! Millions of unwanted animals are “euthanized” (read: killed) every year. (Sorry, this is a passion of mine.)

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I love that so much – it really gets right to the point — don’t judge someone for sinning differently than you. amen. And you’re right, adopting is really the way I should have gone in the first place. Thanks for sharing that. big hugs ox

      Liked by 2 people

  7. How awful! I’m so sorry. But well said! We’re all sinners in some way.

    The last time someone stole some money from me I was mad, but than I felt bad for them too, and eventually I got to the point where I realized that money was all they had, the only joy, the only reward they were likely to get in this world. Then I actually started to feel bad that is was so little, that I didn’t have more for them to steal. Seriously, a thief that picks on me is a pathetic thief, indeed. Here I was enjoying mercy, grace, salvation, redemption, healing, forgiveness, peace….and all that guy had was some money. I really got the better end of the deal.

    Liked by 2 people

  8. About two years ago I tried to help someone I met online. I allowed money to be transferred into my account, waited about a week or so, withdrew it and then sent it via western union to them. Sadly, it took the bank over a month to catch the deposits weren’t real. Total I lost 2 grand. I know what it’s like… Just for trying to do what I thought was right for someone in need.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. oh gosh, I’m so sorry to hear that. that’s just terrible. I hope you were able to get that money back! you’ve got a good heart my friend. i’m sorry someone took advantage of that. big hugs xox

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  9. There’s something else to consider here, which is at what moment did his illusion take over your visualizations? If you can isolate that moment, usually you’ll find an aspect of your personality that can be strengthened.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Uggh such a personal violation. I hate scammers. One thing is for sure, they prove the reality of sin. I mean, they aren’t criminals due to lack of education or opportunity. They have smarts and skills. They just choose to use them in an awful way.

    Thank you for your reflection from a good faith perspective. You’re right – when it comes down to it we all participate in the rebellion against God… there’s no “ranking” the different ways we do that.

    Sorry you went through this, though.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Speaking as someone who has dedicated many years of my life (and the condition of my house, and a potload of money we can ill afford) to dog rescue, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DON’T BUY DOGS ON THE INTERNET! If you want to know why, just google puppy mills. Or I can send you information and links – enough to make you gag.

    A lovely website means NOTHING – and frankly, in my book, the fact that that man scammed you makes him better than someone who would have sent you a dog. Why? Because you’re human, therefore by definition you’re empowered. You can do research before making a decision. You can make choices. If you make a poor choice, you can bounce back.

    The kind of person who sells puppies on the internet may keep a hundred or more dogs in hideous conditions, pumping out puppies until their poor bodies give out and they’re dumped or whacked on the head with a 2×4. Often the puppies are sick, or have congenital problems, or have psychological issues due to poor socialization, so you still get scammed… but more than that, those dogs are powerless.

    And no, when you speak of them, it’s not okay to say “it’s just a dog”. I know that’s not what you meant, okay? I do understand you were referring to your own loss. But I still want to make the point: from the dog’s point of view, they’re never “just a dog”.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you so much for sharing this. You’re right, i should have been looking to adopt in the first place. I will definitely do that in the future. That just breaks my heart. Those poor puppies. Gosh. thanks for bringing this to my attention. big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much for this response. After posting I thought I may have come across as really condemning and heavy-handed. That wasn’t my intention; I figured you didn’t know and I’m just a tad passionate about it, as you’ve probably guessed… 🙂

        You can find pretty much any breed you want through rescue. Sometimes it takes patience, if you’re really set on a specific breed, but if you’re flexible and just looking for a buddy to love, he or she will be out there. Sign up with petfinder.com and adoptapet.com and you’ll see pretty much everything that’s available in your neighborhood.

        Also … while I’m in the mode of dishing out unsolicited advice … maybe reconsider getting a puppy? Sounds like you have a lot on your plate at the moment, and although puppies are darling they are a lot of work, and then they become adolescents, which are a LOT of work… 🙂 You might be better off with a dog aged 2-5 who has had some basic training and can adapt to your lifestyle. Just a suggestion… 🙂

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      2. Not at all!! i love the passion!! my friend is really into rescuing dogs too. i should have thought about that in the first place. I guess it just didn’t register. It will next time though 🙂 And that’s a great tip about getting an older dog…especially for my mom. 🙂 thanks!

        Liked by 1 person

  14. I am so sorry this happened to you. First of all, this is one of the reasons I personally do not support pets for sale because of the greedy breeders that make a business out of them. I always advocate adoption as it is such a win-win for the shelter and the dog. I have 3 dogs, all wonderful, all adopted, and cats as well. I can see why you turned to this idea to feel better. They give me so much joy. But, back to topic, I admire your attitude about this unfortunate event. You are focusing on the learning and exercising self-awareness. I know this experience will not deter you from trying once more to add a dog into your life. So worth it. I hope you consider adoption next time. Stay humble and positive and be extra smart. Happy Easter!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks so much for this reflection. Sounds like you have a beautiful pet family 🙂 I think adopting is what I should have done in the first place. thanks for sharing that 🙂 same to you! hope you had a beautiful easter! big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Yeesh! They used to advertise these on the inside covers of comic books when I was a kid, back in the Devonian Period. Tiny little dogs sitting on teacups, or on the palm of someone’s hand. Sometimes it was a tiny little monkey instead. God knows what you would’ve gotten if you’d ever actually sent a check or money order. You think the genuine bona fide 3-D glasses were a ripoff… This would’ve been worse. Much worse.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. I”m so sorry for your loss. I had a friend who was philosophical about people like that. Her theory is that it wasn’t her job to judge. Pretty much like you say. There’s another saying that when you point a finger at someone, you have three fingers pointing right back at you.
    I hadn’t thought of the puppy mills though, they would be harder to detect via online. I’ve seen those before or something like it. They are pretty sad. My daughter just bought a dog online recently. I hope it will be okay. It was a tiny one like that. Kind of furry, but it was an apple head chihuahua. Supposedly. She did get delivery on hers.

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    1. Thanks Jolie. I like that – three fingers pointing back at you. now that’s powerful. Aw, that sounds like a cute dog. Yeah, I’m glad she didn’t get ripped off! thanks for stopping by and for your kind words. big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m sorry you had to go thru this but what a great learning curve and your choosing to share it. I too, have seen the quote ‘Don’t judge people because they sin different to you’ and I agree that there’s no point in ‘ranking’ our sins. Thank you for being so gracious and for letting others learn this lesson too. It’s not the story that got me thinking but your attitude to it. Thanks again

    Liked by 2 people

  20. No better than the puppy scammer? Girl you are RE-CHIN stop it! That person went through a lot of trouble to scam a few bucks. Hopefully, they needed it that bad but doubtful. All that brainpower could have definitely been put to use in a more legit line of work. Keep writing, but stop the tree-pose reaching…

    Liked by 2 people

  22. So sorry you were scammed. People do awful things to each other and to animals. As others have commented, please consider adopting a rescue rather than buying. I work at an animal shelter and advocate for homeless animals. There are also breed specific rescue groups. In general, I don’t trust anything on Craig’s List anymore anyway!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks friend. Yeah, it really is an awful thing to do. and yes, I am definitely going to adopt next time. i can’t believe I didn’t think of that in the first place. thanks for passing that along 🙂 big hugs xx

      Liked by 1 person

  23. a bad person, will do bad things, and a scammer will scam whom they find. being victimized doesnt make you stupid. the stupid lies with the perpetuator. while they are now a scammer, you are invited to bounce back from this bad experience graciously, as you have. that scam doesnt define you, it does however define them. sending you hugs and healing so you want them.! #StrictMotivation

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Aw I’m sorry you got scammed! Honestly I didn’t even know you could buy pets online, but I know that when I get a dog one day, I’m picking one up from a pound. They need a home more than anyone. ❤️ Kudos to you for maintaining perspective! (And reporting to BBB. They’re legit.)

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    1. Thanks so much. Yeah the other Bbb! Hahah yeah I should have gone to the pound in the first place. Get a rescue pup. They’re always the best dogs anyway. Thanks for the encouragement. 🙂 hope you’re having a great week so far! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re welcome! Ooh I didn’t realize you guys share initials! XD That’s crazy!

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  25. We all have our own crosses to bare. The “cross” is karma. There’s a saying about karma, “It all comes back in the end.” People think they are getting away with something, but they really aren’t. This is where the sadness should come into play–sadness for the ignorance that this guy actually believes he is getting away with something–he isn’t. None of us ever do. We just think we do. But, karma, sin, whatever you want to call it, always comes back in the end. There is no escape for our misdoings–ever.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. What a blessing to read you now 🙂 I love the openness with which you share your thoughts and feelings. You are always this open space and light of limitless awareness. Thank you, Caralyn, my precious friend.

    Liked by 1 person

      3. Do you already have a name for your dog? The name of my dog is Amadeus (“the love of God”).

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  27. OMG! I’m so sorry. I was also scammed in hopes of getting a cute puppy in my life😒. I’m so glad to hear how you put a positive spin on your situation! Kudos to you!✨

    Liked by 1 person

  28. I think it’s always difficult to deal with disappointment of the emotional kind. It’s pretty easy to get over disappointment when the department store has run out of the last bottle of the perfume you like, or the taco truck is out of elotes for the day. You know that you’ll be able to score some in a few days. But a new puppy — your heart is all aflutter anticipating the wonderful memories you’ll make — yeah, that would be kind of hard to forgive immediately. And yet, as you pointed out, our Father forgives us of SO MUCH MORE. Wonderful blog post. Thank you! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  30. I’m always late to the party, but here goes. Your local humane society may not have the cutest dogs in the world, but they are destined for a one way trip to death if someone doesn’t adopt them so no scam involved. Also, there are tons of animal rescue organizations to find and rehabilitate abused dogs. One of the kindest, sweetest dogs I’ve ever met was a rehabilitated pit bull (no, they’re not all bad). She died recently because of a heart ailment, but she was playful and loving. I literally trusted her around my grandchildren, and believe me, I have trust issues.

    The internet is wonderful, but it’s also loaded with land mines. Maybe you should go old school on this one.

    Liked by 1 person

  31. So sorry to hear of your experience with the scammer. It hurt to be a victim of any kind. I feel for you. Great attitude in facing this hurdle in life. I hope that I will have a similar outlook on the experience if this happened to me.

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  32. I’m sorry this happened to you. Cute dogs, but just like with people, you can’t really love them until you meet them.

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  33. Sorry to hear about the scam. So many scam mine fields out there. I swear, if “there’s a sucker born every day”, it seems there’s two scammers born. Sad times, the dishonesty and dishonor of the day.
    By the way, nice job on the blog site redesign. Looks great!

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  36. There’s also a succor borne every minute. It has been said that loving our enemies is impossible, but that’s not true. It *is* possible… but it will hurt like nobody’s business.

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  37. Forgive the language but bullshit. You are guilty of being human, we all are, we make mistakes and say things we shouldn’t. You are guilty of being sick, and when that happens we seriously say and do stupid things (and knowing you, you are still apologizing to those you said the mean things to. It’s why we love ya)

    These SOBs are scum who go out of there way to hurt and chest people for money. Nothing you have ever done puts you in the same time zone as these jerks, let alone in the same league.

    I am so sorry kid, it is not fair for your trust to be dashed like that….

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  38. I am so sorry …not fun to be scammed. Safely it takes all kinds to make this world.It’s amazing how some just do not have a conscious. In like you .I am not surprised you feel bad for him and want to pray for him. You are such a beautiful person .in happy you do not let this world’s stupidity change that about you .Hugs!

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Oh my goodness I read back what I wrote to you …so many typo’s. I was on my phone because my laptop was down. I meant to write sadly not safely .. so embarrassed .

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  41. Oh my Caralyn not good. Only a dog that meant something to you. I have had two for quite a while and they do become part of your life. God sees and knows what you need and when you need it. Am sorry it happened to you. If you learn you are wise and knowing what I do of you – you will learn. Hang in there you are worth it. And more because of his Son you are priceless in God’s eyes. Thanks for sharing part of your real life and another peek at you. John

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  42. Sorry to hear about your experience. I just got an idea to write about my experience being scammed after reading this. I was technically scammed twice, as if once wasn’t bad enough. How do people sleep at night knowing what they are doing? I honestly don’t have the answer but people will do anything for a buck or two.

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      1. Scam 1) A hair salon scammed me on campus and I fell for it. Should have realized something was wrong when the girl invited herself into my room with a debit machine ready to go and Scam 2) a “friend” from high school convinced me to join her MLM company. I ended up losing money from it. I call it a scam mainly because they rely mostly on recruiting people, not from sales alone. My focus was sales so I ended up breaking even at most, $2000 later. Basically you gotta pay to play. Plus its not ethical just to recruit people and get them to dish out a base fee and extremely expensive monthly fees just to stay active. My husband convinced me to get out of it and I never heard from her again.

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  43. You are correct. Perspective…doesn’t feel good but take it as a life lesson and know that God allowed it as preparation for the future. There are lots of scammers in variety of shapes and sizes, much less evil and wickedness. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” He comes to steal, kill, and destroy…the soul and your blessings. Pray about everything and let the Spirit guide you. Just a opportunity to thank God for His preparation and future protection. I believe God is pleased with your prayers to His glory!!!

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  44. Aw girl… I am so sorry! Especially that it went so far that he has your money 😢And yes of course you are a better person than I criminal who scams and steals, it is hard to not judge all the time especially in a situation like this. The fact that you even thought about that sets you apart completely. I hope that the stars end up aligning and you are able to get a sweet new pup!

    Liked by 1 person

  48. That story is crazy. I’m sorry you went through that. You are an amazing person to be able to relate and empathize with someone who stole from you. Being raised by a cop and spending a lot of time with telemarketers and con artists, I have no such pity in my soul.

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  50. Awwwww. I am so sorry!!! Hugs!!! I know NYC has plenty of pet stores, but do they have any kind of rescue shelter aka Humane Society? That would be the BEST place to get a dog from, if you aren’t totally turned off. We had one from a local shelter that lived all the way to 16 and now we have 2 more, a bro/sis pair. That’s where I would look. More hugs.

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    1. Thanks Migueltio. I don’t know! I’m going to look into it. so many people have suggested that and I feel silly that I didn’t think of adopting in the first place! such a better option! thanks for the encouragement 🙂 big hugs xox

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