Durban North resident scammed out of R3 500 in online puppy scam
According to the station's stats, six cases have been reported this year alone.
DURBAN North police have opened a case of fraud after a local resident was scammed out of R3 500 in an online pet scam recently.
Capt Raymond Deokaran, spokesperson for the station, said several victims pay deposits upfront only to find out later that they have been duped.
According to the station’s stats, six cases have been reported this year alone.
“In most cases the victims see the adverts online selling puppies would some purporting to sell pedigree puppies. The scam artists advertise on various online websites and always ask for a deposit. The victims pay money and then realise they have been scammed when the suspects ask for more money to ensure delivery of the pups,” Deokaran said.
In other scam stories: Man scammed out of R60 000 in Durban North fraud case
He added they were increasingly noticing more cases of people being defrauded online.
He urged residents to adopt animals from reputable shelters and breeders.
Marketing manager at the Durban & Coast SPCA, Tanya Fleischer, concurred with Deokaran urging residents to adopt rather than buy.
“We encourage residents to adopt from the SPCA because we have lots of animals looking for their forever homes. If they would like adopt a pet, residents need to make an appointment by calling our adoption line on 031 579 6524,” she said.
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