Pet scams are happening everywhere in the world. In South Africa the normal modus operandi is through Gumtree and classified adds in the newspaper – they usually offer exotic pets such as Persian kittens or Siberian husky puppies, and they usually have a sad story about why they are selling. They will ask for insurance money, pet transport or pet air money and you will never see you kitten or puppy. They are slick and professional. Once you have deposited the money you can kiss it good bye.

Often they will run the same add in all the major news papers, showing pictures of the Persian kitten or English bulldog puppies. They are also happy to send you pedigree papers, and in some case the pets even have a name and a specific photo. These pet scam operators also often offer the dog or cat for free, after tugging at your heart strings, only asking you to cover the insurance and pet shipping charges.

They will try and dissuade you from collecting the animal your self, often only have cell numbers, and often use the line that they will need to put the puppies down if they cannot find good homes. They also use a reputable animal travel business or pet airlines as a front – they are very clever – so do your homework – ask if they are part of a breeders association or know of another dog transport company. Ask them specific questions about their animal transport or dog transport business – what contacts they have and if they have referral – if they cannot give you details – chances are you are about to be scammed.