Hackettstown Resident Hooked Into Online Puppy Deal

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — Police say a Hackettstown resident was reportedly defrauded when he purchased a Golden Retriever puppy with an online price tag recently for $650, which skyrocketed to $4,950, after his transportation charges climbed for the dog.

According to a press release from the Hackettstown Police Department, the man contacted police on Monday morning, after he was unable to retrieve his new pup.

The buyer said the odyssey began when he spotted the puppy on the internet for $650 and the seller told him he was first required to pay a $300 down payment via Zelle. He said calls from two delivery companies, Blue Sky and David Freight, followed with shipping information. However, he said David Freight told him they needed $1,550 more for a thermal, electronic crate to transport the Golden Retriever to Newark Airport, which would be refunded after the puppy arrived.

The freight company, he said, also asked him for $2,200 for insurance and $900 for vaccine fees for his pet.

The resident said the dog was never delivered to his home and he received another call instead for $1,200 more, which he declined to pay.

Sgt. Darren Tynan from Hackettstown Police said individuals should contact the Federal Trade Commission, if they believe they've been scammed online. To file a complaint with the FTC, click here.

Questions or comments about this story? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.