Don’t be fooled by a pet scam

Local private investigator Mike Bolhuis has warned residents to be on the lookout for online scams involving pets.

“A popular scam involves online users creating fake profiles to solicit funds from unsuspecting pet lovers,” said Bolhuis.

Without doing a thorough vetting of the proposed sellers and breeders, many people would then pay a deposit for one of the “pure-bred pets”.

“Victims would even receive photos weekly, showing the puppy or kitten’s growth; thereby, already creating a relationship between pet and owner.”

These photos are accompanied by the demand for more money, usually for immunisation or travel and delivery costs of the animal.

Bolhuis said the most common animals involved in these scams were rabbits, fish (freshwater and saltwater), hamsters, mice or rats, chinchillas, guinea pigs, horses, parrots, common bird species, and reptiles like turtles, snakes or lizards.

“It seems South Africans are easy targets for various online pet scams. Thousands of animal lovers are being lured into paying high prices for pedigreed pets online. The problem is that these animals do not exist – it is just another scam operated by sophisticated scammers.”

Bolhuis said scammers might use websites, local newspapers, Facebook and other social media platforms.

Often expensive pets would be advertised at very low, appealing prices.

Pets are often advertised as “free or looking for a new home”.

The only cost will usually be shipping or transport fees.

The scammers will go to any extent to look legitimate; they will send you pictures, use attractive websites with illegal logos.

“Residents should realise that if the price is too good to be true, it’s probably a scam,” he said.

Also beware when the scammer rebuffs offers to collect the pet in person and rather insists on shipping.

Another warning sign is when the emails, text messages or any form of communication from the seller or the shipping company have spelling mistakes.

Other signs include:

– When the scammer requires payment by money transfers.

– When the scammer demands money for insurance, pet food, veterinary care or a special crate.

– The seller is not prepared to make video calls.

– The seller is not prepared to send a copy of their ID.

– The seller asks for a copy of the buyer’s ID.

– The seller demands immediate payment.

“If there is no email on the website, refrain from continuing with the purchase,” said Bolhuis.

“If an email address is supplied, take the extra precaution by sending an email and ask authenticity questions.

“All immunisations, microchip, the cost of transport and the crate should be included in the original selling price of the animal.”

The breeder should be responsible for the transport and delivery of the pet. Normally, the buyer will only pay a deposit to secure the purchase of the pet.

“Good breeders will only sell pets to approved homes and will never sell to businesses and individuals. A home-approval check is usually also conducted. Always ask for reference reviews and contact those previous buyers to confirm their satisfaction.”

Bolhuis recommended that if you want to purchase an animal online, or offer to adopt an animal, to always do the necessary research.

“Be sceptical of big discounts and free adoptions. Do in-depth research on the internet to find out what the going rate is on the particular kind of animal.

“If the picture looks edited, please do a quick search online to see if the image was stolen from another website. Another method of research is to copy and paste the text from the sales site into a search engine. If you find matching images or text on multiple sites, you’re probably dealing with a scammer,” Bolhuis said.

He said adopting a pet from a reputable rescue centre was a much safer option.

“There are so many animals at animal rescue organisations that have loving pets up for adoption. Adopt, don’t shop.”

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