Westfield Police: Another Resident Is Conned In A Puppy Scam

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Westfield police said this week that a resident paid money for a puppy in Morristown that she never got — the second such crime in recent Westfield history.

There's been an increased demand for pets amid the coronavirus pandemic, and the Wall Street Journal reported in September that puppy rackets are "this year's big online scam."

Police said that on Jan. 3, resident of Sandy Hill Road reported that she attempted to purchase a puppy online and made a downpayment to hold the dog. But when she went to pick up the dog in Morristown, "it was unavailable," police said.

Police did not have more details on the scam.

Back in November, the Westfield police reported that a resident of Boynton Avenue gave $1,770 to an online seller, but the recipient "did not ship the puppy as agreed upon," the police noted.

In October, a Glen Rock couple also fell prey to a puppy scam.

Read our past story for tips to avoid being caught in such a scam.

The police also gave details of their other reports from Jan. 3 through 6.

Other recent Westfield police reports:

Criminal mischief

On Jan. 3, resident of Central Avenue reported criminal mischief to their property. The resident stated that unknown person(s) caused damage by cutting strands of lighting on the exterior of their property. The victim stated the cost of the damage was $60.

Missing jewelry

Also on Jan. 3, a resident of Salter Place reported missing jewelry and cash that may have been taken between June 2020 and August 2020. The approximate value of the possible stolen items was $660.

Theft of signs

On Jan. 5, a resident of Prospect Street reported the theft of signs from the front of the property. The estimated value of each of the two signs was $15.

Identity theft

On Jan. 6, a resident of Embree Crescent reported being a victim of identity theft. The person said someone made fraudulent unemployment applications using his identity, and opened a banking account using his identity.

Shoplifting

On Jan. 6, a store employee of a business located in the 200 block of E. North Ave. reported a shoplifting, which occurred at 5:09 p.m. The suspect stole merchandise worth $300.93 and fled the scene, police say. No suspects were captured.

DWI

On Jan. 6, police say they stopped a man at the 200 block Central Avenue in Clark "pursuant to a motor vehicle violation which occurred in Westfield." Matus Palej, 40, Parlin was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated, the Westfield police said. Palej was transported to headquarters for processing and later released to another person.

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