Scam Alert! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

frenchiesaver · 12-29-2007, 11:21 AM

Hello……… I believe to be at the "tip of the iceberg" of a disgustingly fraudulent, deceptive ring of scammers who portray themselves as a "rescue" organization. Some of the known breeds they "rescue" are Yorkshire Terriers (Yorkies), French Bulldogs (Frenchies), Chihuahuas, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Cavaliers, and even Retrievers and Great Danes!

These people go to puppy mill auctions and bring back masses of ill-bred, in-bred, often sick puppies, with health and medical conditions that will bear life-long consequences (i.e. luxating patellas) and require costly veterinary procedures. It has been suggested that they are also possibly selling foreign import puppies, as it is unlikely that millers would give up so many puppies.

Of course, not only one person can carry on this volume and degree of deception. I am gathering additional names, and hope by putting the word out I will learn of more scumbags.

However, the woman I am most familiar with goes by the names Sarah Vail, Sarah Fox, Sarah Vail-Fox. She lives on English Setter St. Corona, CA 92880 (contact me directly and I will happily provide her home address in Riverside County; her hooks likely reach throughout southern CA and likely beyond).

She has operated under numerous kennel, broker and/or FRAUDULENT "rescue" organization names. The ones that have been discovered so far are: foxxxpaws, all breed rescue, coastalk9rescue, paw prints by the sea, Le Fox Puppies, brusselsnfriends.

When claiming to be a "rescue" organization, she states the bogus group's 501c3 tax-exempt status is "pending". You won't make your check payable to the rescue organization, as is THE ONLY acceptable, legitimate means of payment. Linda Vail in Riverside county, CA is making easy-money by personally receiving these "rescue adoption" funds TAX FREE!

For those unfamiliar with how an organization "becomes" a charity, this is how it works: the group must FIRST apply for a FEIN (which is basically the same "identifier" as an individual's Social Security Number). The IRS issues this number, and it does not change. When a group applies for this FEIN, they also have to indicate the "type" of organization they are; if they intend to operate as a charitable/non-profit organization, they indicate this. HOWEVER, they must actually APPLY to be recognized as such by the IRS. They must file a form, as well as provide copies of their organizing documents and financial statements. When the IRS receives all of this, they issue a Letter of Acknowledgement to the organization, which indicates the "pending" status of their application. IF all of the organization's documentation is approved, the IRS will then issue a Determination Letter/Ruling that recognizes the group has been organized and operates in accordance with IRS guidelines consistent with a non-profit charity that is exempt from paying federal income taxes.

Think about that........how easily do you believe the Federal Government is going to "give up" on tax income?? The IRS does not award tax-exempt status without sufficient proof that an organization truly does operate in a transparent, non-profit manner.
In CA, an organization must go thru a similar process with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General's Office.

A LEGITIMATE charitable organization will happily and immediately supply proof of its exempt status to anyone who asks.

I have a tremendous respect for legitimate animal rescue groups. They work tirelessly and endlessly, very often at a great financial cost to them which is never "reimbursed". Their dedication is real and genuine. What Sarah and others in these "scam rescue rings" does is despicable and self-serving, tainting the hard work of legitimate rescue efforts.

If you paid money to a legitimate rescue organization, that check would be made payable TO THE ORGANIZATION, not an individual!! Think about that, also....these people are taking your charitable money as income and NOT paying taxes on it!! This is tax fraud, a punishable federal crime.

It will take more than one person's complaint for the IRS to seriously investigate this ring of scumbag scammers. If you believe you have been scammed by "Sarah" operating fraudulently as a "rescue" organization, then I URGE YOU TO CONTACT ME DIRECTLY off-list at: stoprescuecharityscam@yahoo.com

I will ask you some specific questions about your experience, and I will share much more information about recourses that might be available to us. I prefer not to share this info in an open format, as I know Sarah and her cohort lurk on these boards. When you contact me, please include links to previous posts you have made on this Board about your experience with Sarah and/or her "rescue", so that I have a reasonable expectation that what you are telling me is truthful.

Following is a sampling of information I have gathered thus far:

A now-disconnected (home??) phone # for Sarah was: 951-734-8184 (Sarah used this # for all of her foxxxpaws@aol.com dog sale advertisements in the LA Times and The Recycler)

Another cell # used in a recycler.com ad for foxxxpaws: 951-280-1241

As of 12-08-07, Sarah was employed by “Pete” at Golden State K9 Training/Kennels (12235 El Sobrante Rd. but entrance is off of Blackburn Riverside, CA 92503 951-237-9739). This is where I first met Sarah; she kennels many of her puppy mill purchases and suspected foreign imports here before they are re-sold as bogus “rescues”.

Another cell phone: 909-519-6323 This is the # she used to scam a number of YorkieTalk people.

Gina Portillo (another contact name in recycler ad for foxxxpaws)
951-285-5458

Were you told your puppy was a "rescue"?? Were you told it was "saved" from a puppy mill, or relinquished by a "back-yard breeder", with it's Mom and littermates?? What were you told was "included" in the "rescue adoption fee" (i.e. vet insurance, training, etc)?? What were you told were the results of the puppy's initial vet exam?? What were you told when you asked for the puppy's medical history to-date?? Were you told the pup had been micro-chipped, and did your vet in fact find a chip?? Did you pay a "refundable neuter deposit"?? What was the form of your payment?? If by check, to whom was the check made payable?? Did the “rescue” have a web-site?? Was there an e-mail address other than something like “info@________”?? If you ever received an e-mail, was it ever “signed’ by a person, or did they indicate who was contacting you?? Was there a contact phone number you could call?? When someone called you and got your voice mail, would they leave a return phone number for you to return the call?? Would anyone volunteer their name?? Did you hear a lot of terms such as “dog coordinator”, “director”, “funds coordinator” tossed around, but were never given any actual names or any means of contacting someone directly??

Do not believe that any recourse available will be easily attained, or will happen overnight. But if you have the determination and tenacity, and wish to put in the effort that will be required to right a practice that is wrong on so many levels, then please contact me. stoprescuecharityscam@yahoo.com

darcilombard · 09-09-2008, 12:24 PM

Hi, I've just been scammed by this person for close to $1000. I have information and details about her that you and I can use to get her off the streets. She is a conniving, evil and extremely dangerous person. The authorities at various venues (including the IRS for unreported income) need to be made aware of her. Please send email to garboleemollie@yahoo.com.

WeWantAYorkie2 · 09-14-2008, 11:25 AM

I'm new here too. I was almost scammed this weekend. It wasn't the same person listed above but I'm so grateful to have done more research and digging before sending any money. Unfortunately I have a heartbroken little girl. We're starting a search for a yorkie but can't afford the prices of most breeders. We'll be patient and keep looking.

Kristen

sammiz · 09-14-2008, 11:45 AM

She has been on YT trying the same....for her "RESCUE".......

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...mes-so-ca.html

Nancy1999 · 09-14-2008, 11:52 AM

Bless you for posting this thread; I don't think enough people are aware of this newest scam. Many of these "rescues" are simply puppymill dogs who have gotten too old for breeding, and instead of the breeder giving it to a legitimate rescue, he tries to sell the dogs himself. What's the difference? Legitimate rescues will have dogs thoroughly checked by vet, and the dog will be spayed or neutered, any outstanding health problems will be addressed as well, and you will be informed of the condition of the dog. Many rescues also pay for the necessary medical care before adopting the dog out, and this isn't included in your purchase price, but it funded through donations. Rescues also are not a for-profit agency, and don't accept just anybody for dog placement. A scam company will sell the dog to whoever has the money, while a rescue picks and chooses the homes very carefully. If a rescue is selling a dog for over $500.00, please check it out very carefully.

BoozhersMama · 09-14-2008, 01:17 PM

See this is why I hate these scammers. When I joined YT 2 years ago I posted on here about a legit rescue that had recently rescued some Yorkies that were in horrible condition. I live in East Tn and there are NO LAWS here to protect animals, no animal rescue groups like you see on animal planet. nothing.

So when I posted on here about this rescue group people really came down on me hard in here.

I got called a liar because I told them that East TN doesn't have any laws in place for animals, I was accused of being part of the "scam" which really was no scam and that the only possible reason that I joined YT was because I was trying to SCAM everyone in here.

Then people got really nasty and started talking about "hillbillies" living in "trailers" and what could I do? I donated to the rescue and helped as much as I could.

I didn't come back here for a long, long time because of how rudely I was treated by some of the YT'ers. You will see that I've been a member for 2 years but have barely posted. That's why.

I'm glad to see that this board has become a friendlier environment in which to talk about our little fur babies. Tact was not in high abundance a few years ago.

ashleere · 09-14-2008, 05:41 PM

I have tons of info on Sarah Vail Fox. There are 15 of us in the bay area that were taken by her an her scam. I have all their email addresses. I was very fortunate and got my money back. But I am still very angry that she has been allowed to get away with this for so long.

I have a different phone number for her and a report that was sent to the District attorney, and the IRS. This time in Las Vegas under "Diamond in the Ruff Rescue".
My sister lives in Vegas and went to the address and it is a vacant lot in a very bad part of town.

PM me if you want copies of all the stull I have. Including the last phone number. She needs to be arrested.

DejaVu · 09-14-2008, 08:39 PM

This disgusts me that someone would be so evil! I hope this person gets whats coming to them! Thank you to the people who are trying to get her reported, very much respected and if there is anything I can do please let me know!

darcilombard · 09-15-2008, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashleere

I have tons of info on Sarah Vail Fox. There are 15 of us in the bay area that were taken by her an her scam. I have all their email addresses. I was very fortunate and got my money back. But I am still very angry that she has been allowed to get away with this for so long.

I have a different phone number for her and a report that was sent to the District attorney, and the IRS. This time in Las Vegas under "Diamond in the Ruff Rescue".
My sister lives in Vegas and went to the address and it is a vacant lot in a very bad part of town.

PM me if you want copies of all the stull I have. Including the last phone number. She needs to be arrested.

HI, I very much want whatever information you have regarding her as I intend to contact the DA in my county and contact the DA in Colorado Springs that convicted her several years ago of internet fraud....same thing she's doing now! You can contact me at home at (951) 247-9538 or work (951) 827-4083 or if you prefer I call you, please send your phone number. This woman needs to be put away for a very long time. She is 25 yrs old and from all the research I've done it seems she's been doing this since she was 14 yrs. old!! My name is Darci Lombard and I'd love to chat!

If there is ANYONE else out there that has been scammed by her or has information regarding her and her cohorts such as Pro Paws Rescue....please feel free to contact me.

SARAHFOX · 02-18-2013, 03:22 PM

Sarah has passed away

Heres her obituary page since she overdosed on pills
Drug Abuse Prevention Programs - Substance abuse presentations & Information

and here is here Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...680026&fref=ts

i guess KARMA caught up to her....

crazydoglade · 02-18-2013, 06:19 PM

I'm also in riverside/moreno valley area and work with a rescue. Right now we have 5 yorkies from a puppy mill in Palmdale. All are spayed/neutered. Health issues have been addressed. They are not the best examples of the breed in looks but make up for it in personality. We are a 501 charity and definitly do not make any money on these babies. Anyone who wants can come meet our babies. What I don't understand is why anyone would think a mill would give up a pregnant mom or mom with babies. There's no money in that.

brezofleur · 02-18-2013, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazydoglade

I'm also in riverside/moreno valley area and work with a rescue. Right now we have 5 yorkies from a puppy mill in Palmdale. All are spayed/neutered. Health issues have been addressed. They are not the best examples of the breed in looks but make up for it in personality. We are a 501 charity and definitly do not make any money on these babies. Anyone who wants can come meet our babies. What I don't understand is why anyone would think a mill would give up a pregnant mom or mom with babies. There's no money in that.

This should be posted this in a new thread for new viewers - it'll get lost here.

lynzy420 · 02-18-2013, 08:06 PM

Thank you for resurrecting this thread and for sharing the information! I'm sending you a pm. Thanks.

BrittanyVThomas · 02-18-2013, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SARAHFOX

Sarah has passed away

Heres her obituary page since she overdosed on pills
Drug Abuse Prevention Programs - Substance abuse presentations & Information

and here is here Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...680026&fref=ts

i guess KARMA caught up to her....

Is this for real? So confused.

yorkietalkjilly · 02-18-2013, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrittanyVThomas

Is this for real? So confused.

Me, too. I thought Sarah Fox had passed.

12-29-2007, 11:21 AM	#1
frenchiesaver Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Riverside Posts: 11	Scam Alert! Hello……… I believe to be at the "tip of the iceberg" of a disgustingly fraudulent, deceptive ring of scammers who portray themselves as a "rescue" organization. Some of the known breeds they "rescue" are Yorkshire Terriers (Yorkies), French Bulldogs (Frenchies), Chihuahuas, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Cavaliers, and even Retrievers and Great Danes! These people go to puppy mill auctions and bring back masses of ill-bred, in-bred, often sick puppies, with health and medical conditions that will bear life-long consequences (i.e. luxating patellas) and require costly veterinary procedures. It has been suggested that they are also possibly selling foreign import puppies, as it is unlikely that millers would give up so many puppies. Of course, not only one person can carry on this volume and degree of deception. I am gathering additional names, and hope by putting the word out I will learn of more scumbags. However, the woman I am most familiar with goes by the names Sarah Vail, Sarah Fox, Sarah Vail-Fox. She lives on English Setter St. Corona, CA 92880 (contact me directly and I will happily provide her home address in Riverside County; her hooks likely reach throughout southern CA and likely beyond). She has operated under numerous kennel, broker and/or FRAUDULENT "rescue" organization names. The ones that have been discovered so far are: foxxxpaws, all breed rescue, coastalk9rescue, paw prints by the sea, Le Fox Puppies, brusselsnfriends. When claiming to be a "rescue" organization, she states the bogus group's 501c3 tax-exempt status is "pending". You won't make your check payable to the rescue organization, as is THE ONLY acceptable, legitimate means of payment. Linda Vail in Riverside county, CA is making easy-money by personally receiving these "rescue adoption" funds TAX FREE! For those unfamiliar with how an organization "becomes" a charity, this is how it works: the group must FIRST apply for a FEIN (which is basically the same "identifier" as an individual's Social Security Number). The IRS issues this number, and it does not change. When a group applies for this FEIN, they also have to indicate the "type" of organization they are; if they intend to operate as a charitable/non-profit organization, they indicate this. HOWEVER, they must actually APPLY to be recognized as such by the IRS. They must file a form, as well as provide copies of their organizing documents and financial statements. When the IRS receives all of this, they issue a Letter of Acknowledgement to the organization, which indicates the "pending" status of their application. IF all of the organization's documentation is approved, the IRS will then issue a Determination Letter/Ruling that recognizes the group has been organized and operates in accordance with IRS guidelines consistent with a non-profit charity that is exempt from paying federal income taxes. Think about that........how easily do you believe the Federal Government is going to "give up" on tax income?? The IRS does not award tax-exempt status without sufficient proof that an organization truly does operate in a transparent, non-profit manner. In CA, an organization must go thru a similar process with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General's Office. A LEGITIMATE charitable organization will happily and immediately supply proof of its exempt status to anyone who asks. I have a tremendous respect for legitimate animal rescue groups. They work tirelessly and endlessly, very often at a great financial cost to them which is never "reimbursed". Their dedication is real and genuine. What Sarah and others in these "scam rescue rings" does is despicable and self-serving, tainting the hard work of legitimate rescue efforts. If you paid money to a legitimate rescue organization, that check would be made payable TO THE ORGANIZATION, not an individual!! Think about that, also....these people are taking your charitable money as income and NOT paying taxes on it!! This is tax fraud, a punishable federal crime. It will take more than one person's complaint for the IRS to seriously investigate this ring of scumbag scammers. If you believe you have been scammed by "Sarah" operating fraudulently as a "rescue" organization, then I URGE YOU TO CONTACT ME DIRECTLY off-list at: stoprescuecharityscam@yahoo.com I will ask you some specific questions about your experience, and I will share much more information about recourses that might be available to us. I prefer not to share this info in an open format, as I know Sarah and her cohort lurk on these boards. When you contact me, please include links to previous posts you have made on this Board about your experience with Sarah and/or her "rescue", so that I have a reasonable expectation that what you are telling me is truthful. Following is a sampling of information I have gathered thus far: A now-disconnected (home??) phone # for Sarah was: 951-734-8184 (Sarah used this # for all of her foxxxpaws@aol.com dog sale advertisements in the LA Times and The Recycler) Another cell # used in a recycler.com ad for foxxxpaws: 951-280-1241 As of 12-08-07, Sarah was employed by “Pete” at Golden State K9 Training/Kennels (12235 El Sobrante Rd. but entrance is off of Blackburn Riverside, CA 92503 951-237-9739). This is where I first met Sarah; she kennels many of her puppy mill purchases and suspected foreign imports here before they are re-sold as bogus “rescues”. Another cell phone: 909-519-6323 This is the # she used to scam a number of YorkieTalk people. Gina Portillo (another contact name in recycler ad for foxxxpaws) 951-285-5458 Were you told your puppy was a "rescue"?? Were you told it was "saved" from a puppy mill, or relinquished by a "back-yard breeder", with it's Mom and littermates?? What were you told was "included" in the "rescue adoption fee" (i.e. vet insurance, training, etc)?? What were you told were the results of the puppy's initial vet exam?? What were you told when you asked for the puppy's medical history to-date?? Were you told the pup had been micro-chipped, and did your vet in fact find a chip?? Did you pay a "refundable neuter deposit"?? What was the form of your payment?? If by check, to whom was the check made payable?? Did the “rescue” have a web-site?? Was there an e-mail address other than something like “info@________”?? If you ever received an e-mail, was it ever “signed’ by a person, or did they indicate who was contacting you?? Was there a contact phone number you could call?? When someone called you and got your voice mail, would they leave a return phone number for you to return the call?? Would anyone volunteer their name?? Did you hear a lot of terms such as “dog coordinator”, “director”, “funds coordinator” tossed around, but were never given any actual names or any means of contacting someone directly?? Do not believe that any recourse available will be easily attained, or will happen overnight. But if you have the determination and tenacity, and wish to put in the effort that will be required to right a practice that is wrong on so many levels, then please contact me. stoprescuecharityscam@yahoo.com

09-09-2008, 12:24 PM	#2
darcilombard YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Moreno Valley Posts: 8	Sarah Fox SCAMMER Hi, I've just been scammed by this person for close to $1000. I have information and details about her that you and I can use to get her off the streets. She is a conniving, evil and extremely dangerous person. The authorities at various venues (including the IRS for unreported income) need to be made aware of her. Please send email to garboleemollie@yahoo.com.

09-14-2008, 11:45 AM	#4
sammiz No Longer a Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: PORTERVILLE, CA Posts: 1,574	You really should read this thread She has been on YT trying the same....for her "RESCUE"....... http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...mes-so-ca.html

09-14-2008, 11:52 AM	#5
Nancy1999 I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 25,396 Blog Entries: 2	Bless you for posting this thread; I don't think enough people are aware of this newest scam. Many of these "rescues" are simply puppymill dogs who have gotten too old for breeding, and instead of the breeder giving it to a legitimate rescue, he tries to sell the dogs himself. What's the difference? Legitimate rescues will have dogs thoroughly checked by vet, and the dog will be spayed or neutered, any outstanding health problems will be addressed as well, and you will be informed of the condition of the dog. Many rescues also pay for the necessary medical care before adopting the dog out, and this isn't included in your purchase price, but it funded through donations. Rescues also are not a for-profit agency, and don't accept just anybody for dog placement. A scam company will sell the dog to whoever has the money, while a rescue picks and chooses the homes very carefully. If a rescue is selling a dog for over $500.00, please check it out very carefully. __________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals

09-14-2008, 01:17 PM	#6
BoozhersMama Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 89	See this is why I hate these scammers. When I joined YT 2 years ago I posted on here about a legit rescue that had recently rescued some Yorkies that were in horrible condition. I live in East Tn and there are NO LAWS here to protect animals, no animal rescue groups like you see on animal planet. nothing. So when I posted on here about this rescue group people really came down on me hard in here. I got called a liar because I told them that East TN doesn't have any laws in place for animals, I was accused of being part of the "scam" which really was no scam and that the only possible reason that I joined YT was because I was trying to SCAM everyone in here. Then people got really nasty and started talking about "hillbillies" living in "trailers" and what could I do? I donated to the rescue and helped as much as I could. I didn't come back here for a long, long time because of how rudely I was treated by some of the YT'ers. You will see that I've been a member for 2 years but have barely posted. That's why. I'm glad to see that this board has become a friendlier environment in which to talk about our little fur babies. Tact was not in high abundance a few years ago. __________________ Bentley Cubby Chynna Duke RIP Last edited by BoozhersMama; 09-14-2008 at 01:18 PM.

09-14-2008, 11:25 AM	#3
WeWantAYorkie2 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Maine Posts: 44	I'm new here too. I was almost scammed this weekend. It wasn't the same person listed above but I'm so grateful to have done more research and digging before sending any money. Unfortunately I have a heartbroken little girl. We're starting a search for a yorkie but can't afford the prices of most breeders. We'll be patient and keep looking. Kristen

09-14-2008, 05:41 PM	#7
ashleere YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Bay Area,CA Posts: 289	I have tons of info on Sarah Vail Fox. There are 15 of us in the bay area that were taken by her an her scam. I have all their email addresses. I was very fortunate and got my money back. But I am still very angry that she has been allowed to get away with this for so long. I have a different phone number for her and a report that was sent to the District attorney, and the IRS. This time in Las Vegas under "Diamond in the Ruff Rescue". My sister lives in Vegas and went to the address and it is a vacant lot in a very bad part of town. PM me if you want copies of all the stull I have. Including the last phone number. She needs to be arrested. __________________ Buttons and Oliver

09-14-2008, 08:39 PM	#8
DejaVu YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: California Posts: 366	This disgusts me that someone would be so evil! I hope this person gets whats coming to them! Thank you to the people who are trying to get her reported, very much respected and if there is anything I can do please let me know!

02-18-2013, 03:22 PM	#10
SARAHFOX YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: las vegas Posts: 1	**update** Sarah has passed away Heres her obituary page since she overdosed on pills Drug Abuse Prevention Programs - Substance abuse presentations & Information and here is here Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...680026&fref=ts i guess KARMA caught up to her....

02-18-2013, 06:19 PM	#11
crazydoglade YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: california Posts: 405	I'm also in riverside/moreno valley area and work with a rescue. Right now we have 5 yorkies from a puppy mill in Palmdale. All are spayed/neutered. Health issues have been addressed. They are not the best examples of the breed in looks but make up for it in personality. We are a 501 charity and definitly do not make any money on these babies. Anyone who wants can come meet our babies. What I don't understand is why anyone would think a mill would give up a pregnant mom or mom with babies. There's no money in that.

02-18-2013, 08:06 PM	#13
lynzy420 Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: USA Posts: 7,652	Thank you for resurrecting this thread and for sharing the information! I'm sending you a pm. Thanks. __________________ The Above advice/comments/reviews are my personal opinions based on my own experience/education/investigation and research and you can take them any way you want to......Or NOT!!!