How a $200 Canary Cost a West Michigan Woman $4,000

A West Michigan woman who was recently scammed online is sharing her story in hopes that others won't fall victim as well.

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Diane Muniz wanted a pet bird and she went online to see what was available.

After doing some searching, she was able to find the bird she wanted, a Gloster.

These birds are a popular breed of small, domesticated canary known for its distinctive, rounded "bowl cut" hairstyle.

I’m not a pet bird person, but with an amazing haircut I can see why she was a fan of it.

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After finding her dream bird for $200 her joy quickly turned into pain as the online seller kept adding charge after charge to deliver the bird.

She got text messages from the seller showing apparent bills for

• a crate rental
• vaccination
• treatment fees
• license fees
• state clearance fees
• and documentation stamps.

The seller told her that she would get about 95% refunded.

If that sounds too good to be true that's because it was.

Her bank noticed all the suspicious payments and by the time they put an end to it she was out $4,000.

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Better Business Bureau of Michigan Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Market Expansion Troy Baker told Wood TV that your best chance to avoid being scammed when buying a pet is to make sure you can actually see it.

That can be in person, or on a live video call.

If the seller keeps on making excuses and won't show you the animal on screen it's likely a scam.

I feel so bad for this woman who was scammed and admire her bravery to share her story in hopes that other people don't have this happen to them.