779-434-8541

I was messaged in the Instagram app by @thebernedoodleranch asking if I was still interested in adopting a puppy. Conversation went back and forth and then moved to WhatsApp (phone number: 779-434-8541). He originally stated an asking price of $675 then $800 and I reminded him he had initially said $675 so we agreed to that. We communicated about me sending the deposit of $250 which he stated was fully refundable, which I did using Google Wallet. Since then "Max Chavez" kept hounding me for an additional $245 for "adoption fees" - which I refused to send until I saw the puppy. I planned to drive to Fort Myers and told him I'd be giving him a money order but that wasn't good enough for him. He wanted me to send the money on Google Wallet again. He also sent me a 3-year old photo of a dog from on Google Maps. I got Very suspicious and told him I did not want to go through with the adoption and to please return my deposit which he said was refundable. I also have a video of his "wife" stating it was not a scam. He said he'd Zelle the money back on 4/25/2026 and he has not done so. Nor does he pick up the phone in WhatsApp and the phone says it's not in service when I dial outside of WhatsApp. I have screenshots of all our communication. [BBB Scam Type: Online Purchase] [Business: The Bernedoodle Ranch] [Location: Deltona, FL, USA - 32725]