Pet owner warns others after nearly falling for lost cat scam

Impala Park woman targeted by pet scammer during desperate search for missing cat

Michelle Meyer, a resident of Impala Park, is urging the community to stay alert after nearly falling victim to a scam while frantically searching for her missing cat, Shadow.
Shadow, a spayed female cat just over a year old, disappeared on the afternoon of June 28 near Buks Williams Lapa Park. When she didn’t return home, Michelle turned to local social media groups and visited both the Benoni and Boksburg SPCAs to find her.

“I also went into the veld near our home to search. While I was out there, I received a voice note that shook me,” Michelle said.

That voice note marked the start of what she described as a disturbing extortion attempt.
“The scammer claimed to have information about Shadow but quickly became threatening. He demanded money and issued chilling racial threats,” she said.

According to Michelle, the caller sounded Nigerian, and a Truecaller search linked the number to the names Andile or Ayanda.
“I was blackmailed at the height of my emotional turmoil. I was just trying to bring my cat home, and someone exploited that vulnerability,” she said.

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Michelle reported the incident to Boksburg North Police Station, but felt let down by the response.
“I was told it’s a common scam and advised to block the number. But I had just been threatened with murder. At the very least, they could’ve taken a statement,” she said.

Despite the frightening experience, Michelle expressed heartfelt thanks to the Boksburg SPCA for their support during her search.
“Vicky Finnemore, the head of the SPCA, and the charity shop staff were angels. Even though they were busy, they took time to check the animals, even the deceased ones, to help me. I will never forget their kindness.”

She now hopes to prevent others from falling into the same trap.
“Scammers monitor social media for posts about missing pets and then reach out pretending to have found the animal. They send emotional voice notes or blurry photos and then demand money before ‘releasing’ the pet. Sometimes they escalate to threats,” she warned.

“These aren’t just opportunists; they’re professionals. They know how to manipulate your heart. They always want payment up front and try to stay anonymous. Please be careful.”

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