WVCPD investigators seek victims in puppy fraud case

Chad Nielson, 30, and Brittney Moore, 26, have been selling husky puppies using online classifieds since April of 2014, said West Valley City Police spokeswoman Roxeanne Vainuku in a news release. Photo Courtesy: WVCPD

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah, Sept. 20, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — The West Valley City Police Department is searching for victims in a puppy sales scam that has been going on for more than two years.

Chad Nielson, 30, and Brittney Moore, 26, have been selling husky puppies using online classifieds since April of 2014, West Valley City Police spokeswoman Roxeanne Vainuku wrote in a news release.

“The pair would advertise the puppies for $350 each and collect deposit money from people interested in purchasing a dog,” the release said.

“While the victims waited for their puppy to be old enough to come home, the suspects would often contact the victim and offer the ‘pick of the litter’ in exchange for a larger deposit.

“Victims say the pair would also sometimes ask for more money, claiming that the puppy was sick and needed extra medical care. The sellers would promise that the extra cash would count as payment in full for the dog.”

In the end, the victims would never receive their puppy at all.

“When it came time to pick up the puppy, the victims say they couldn’t reach the sellers and if by some chance, the victim did get in touch, the suspects in the case would say that the puppy had died and promise a refund that would never come,” the release states.

The WVCPD Investigations Bureau has identified 14 victims of this fraud, but suspects there are others out there. This pattern of suspected criminal activity is about to be presented for prosecution.

The department is asking anyone who attempted to purchase a puppy from Nielson or Moore, and who never received the dog, to contact police at 801-840-4000 to file a report.

1 COMMENT

  1. These people are horrible i lived with them rented out a bedroom. Gave her 300$ for a dog and she stole it from me lied said that she needed shots this puppy had lived with me. I had named it trained it and feel in love with it after 4weeks brittney stole my puppy. The one in the picture actually. Im just happy to see some justice coming how could you do that till somebody who lived with you even another lady said she stole 1000$for a deposit on my dog also now the dog is no where too be found and she’s done nothing but lie to me!!!

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