Beware of scammers using Dogtown SA as a smokescreen
The modus operandi is to tell the person that they have found their pet and that if they send them airtime, they will be able to send them a location pin for them to collect their pet.
A lost pets scam has recently come to light that could be potentially harmful to residents’ safety.
Founder of animal shelter and rescue centre for abandoned and abused dogs, Dogtown South Africa (SA), Tracy McQuarrie, the organisation recently discovered that people who have lost their animals were being contacted by an individual claiming to be from Dogtown SA. The individual informed the pet owners that their pet had been found.
“Dogtown SA has recently received a number of calls and messages about someone calling to say that a lost dog has been found,” she said.
While her organisation was is based in Hennops River, Centurion, she said the scam was not limited to any one area with reports coming from Weltevreden Park, Benoni and Roodepoort.
“The modus operandi is to tell the person that they have found their pet and that if they send them airtime, they will be able to send them a location pin for them to collect their pet,” said McQuarrie.
“In addition, they ask for proof of ownership, including but not limited to photographs of them, with their pet and ownership papers,” McQuarrie said, adding she was concerned that this could potentially lure people to a location for criminal purposes.
“As well as the fact that criminals can pick up all sorts of personal information from the background of a photograph, and documents that people supply the individual with.”
The police advised McQuarrie that pet owners who have fallen victim to this crime, must report it to their local police station. Also, while the caution was not to post photographs of the suspects, they should share their warnings on social media.
Dogtown SA has subsequently not reported any cases to police.
“There is of course potential reputational damage to Dogtown SA as they have chosen to use our name for their scam,” said McQuarrie.
She said staff members of Dogtown SA would never ask a stranger for airtime or contact someone out of the blue.
“We have processes and procedures that we follow to ensure the safety of the animals and the people associated with Dogtown SA in any way,” she said.
Dogtown SA is a non-profit sanctuary for dogs, situated in the mountains near the Hennops river. The dedicated team of behaviourists and caregivers provide care for dogs who have lost their families or been rescued from dire situations.
McQuarrie said the dogs are given individual care and attention whilst they wait for their forever homes.
“There are many wonderful dogs at Dogtown SA who, through no fault of their own, have found themselves homeless and are often in need of care and rehabilitation.”
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