Breeders Plus Sam Steven attempted to buy Irish Setter pup on line; no pup; paid $1000 in gift cards Panama City Florida

Saw pup on Breeders Plus website.  Filled in information, was contacted shortly by breeder. Via email, agreed to buy pup named Ugo for $1000.00.  $500.00 to hold pup in my name (sent via copy of gift card and purchase receipt via cell phone); email stating full amount was needed before transaction could continue.  Sent additional $500 via scanned gift card & sales receipt over computer. 

Got Bill of Sale on Thurs a.m. - gender of pup was incorrect; pointed out gender issue to seller and Bill of Sale was revised.  Signed Bill of Sale and sent scanned copy Thurs afternoon.  Shortly after that got email from company called 'petairways express' stating crate used by seller did not regulations and pup could not be flown until approved crate was provided. 

Was given option of two crates ($1550 and $1800) and once paid, pup would be shipped and full refund for cost of crate would be given in cash or 3 day bank transaction upon delivery of pup.  Got really nervous; sent email to seller stating concerns about the crate issue; was told seller had not used that vendor for shipping -- if so, how did petairways come up with our name/email address?? 

Further emails from seller placating us - saying they would take care of problem and send new ETA for pup's delivery (have yet to receive that!).  Also, Bill of Sale stated delivery would take place on 9/17/21.  After doing some research I learned that delivery the next day is next to impossible. 

All in all there were red flags, but always some explanation that made sense so continued with transactions and submission of cash.  Of course, both gift cards showed $0 balance the day they were sent.  Have since learned, through research after the fact, that the crate scam is a common part of the pet scam. 

I did let the seller know that reports would be made to BBB and to Attorney General's office for state of FL -- not that it will do much good.