One victim thought they were buying a tiny puppy. Another thought they were protecting their bank account. Both ended up learning the same hard truth: scammers are getting bold — and they’re getting good.
According to reports from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, deputies recently took two separate theft complaints involving classic scams designed to trigger panic, urgency, and trust.
The “Puppy Delivery” Scam: Pay With Gift Cards, Get Nothing
In the first report, a woman told deputies she found an ad for “Chihuahua puppies for adoption” on Facebook Marketplace and messaged the seller. The seller — who identified himself only by a first name — told her to buy a $250 Apple gift card and send him the card number. He claimed that once the payment went through, he would drive from Indiana and deliver the puppy.
After she sent the card number, the seller claimed the payment “didn’t go through” and demanded a second gift card.
That’s when she contacted Apple and discovered the money had already been spent. She realized she’d been scammed — and no puppy was coming.
Red flag count: off the charts.
The “Your Bank Account Was Hacked” Scam: They Call You… and Drain You
In the second case, a man told deputies he received a text claiming to be from his bank, warning his account had been hacked. Minutes later, he got a phone call that appeared to display the bank’s name.
The caller asked whether he had been using his card. When he said no, they asked him to “verify” his card information. After he provided it, they told him his card would be shut down and to wait until the next day to get a new one.
After thinking it over, he checked his account — and found his money was gone, with transactions showing up out of state.
He tried calling the number back and got no answer. That’s when it clicked: it was a scam. He was told to file a police report so the bank’s fraud department could review it.
How to Avoid Getting Tricked (Fast, Practical Tips)
1) Never pay with gift cards — ever
Gift cards are scammer gold because once the code is shared, the money is gone.
No legitimate seller, breeder, or business needs gift cards.
2) If someone says “it didn’t go through,” stop immediately
That’s a common pressure tactic to squeeze you for more money.
3) Don’t trust caller ID
Scammers can “spoof” phone numbers so your screen shows a real bank name or number.
4) If your “bank” calls you, hang up and call the real number yourself
Use the number on the back of your card or your official app — not the number that texted or called you.
5) Your bank will not ask for full card details to “verify” you
Never give out:
- full card number
- expiration date
- CVV code
- online banking password
- one-time verification codes
If they ask for those, it’s almost always a scam.
6) When buying pets online: insist on proof and in-person pickup
To reduce scam risk:
- Ask for a video call with the puppy and seller
- Request a photo with today’s date written on paper
- Meet in a safe public place (or reputable breeder facility)
- Avoid “delivery only” offers, especially across state lines
7) Act fast if you think you’ve been hit
- Call your bank immediately and freeze the card/account
- Change passwords
- Report the scam inside the platform (Facebook, etc.)
- File a police report if your bank requires it for fraud claims