WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – Officers are searching for victims of a reported puppy sales scam authorities say has been taking advantage of Utahns for more than two years.
Officers said 30-year-old Chad Nielson and 26-year-old Brittney Moore have been selling Husky puppies over online classified sites since April 2014.
Chad Nielson, 30 – West Valley City Police
The issue is the puppies never came; police say they never existed.
West Valley PD said the pair would advertise the pups for $350 each and collect the deposit money from the buyers.
While the victims waited for the puppy to be old enough to go to its forever home, the suspects would then offer the victim the “pick of the litter” for a little extra cash.
Victims told police the suspects would sometimes ask for even more money up front, saying the dogs were sick and needed medical care.
Brittney Moore, 26 – West Valley City Police
In the end, the victims never got the puppy they were promised.
When it came time to get the pups, the sellers couldn’t be reached.
On the rare occasion the buyer could reach the seller, the pair would tell the victim the puppy had died and say a refund was on the way.
However, the refunds never came.
So far, 14 victims have come forward and West Valley officers are looking for more.
If you think you are a victim of this puppy scam, West Valley City Police would like to speak with you at (801) 840-4000.
