The Paarl police warns the public to beware of internet fraud involving purchases over the internet as such cases, most of which involve dogs, continue to rise.
Police spokesperson Capt Louise du Plessis says there has been an increase in the reporting of fraud relating to paying deposits or in full for items advertised on the internet, including dogs.
“Members of the public are still being defrauded for the purchasing of dogs over the internet. Even after the deposit or full payment has been made, the items are never received.”
She reiterated that members of the public keep responding to such advertisements and still payments are made for the purchasing and delivery of the dog.
“The client is then contacted by the seller again whereby extra costs are to be paid for delivery and documentation. However, the dog is never delivered and the seller cannot be reached again.”
The public is urged not to pay any fees before making sure that the purchase is not fraudulent. In other words, be sure to keep your purse in your pocket until the pooch is in your possession.
