Fake pet sellers are getting their claws into victims’ IDs

I RESPONDED to an advert for chinchilla kittens and was contacted by a lady who presented herself as Elizabeth Johanna. I paid R3 100 into an account number for the purchase plus flight.

The kitten was due to arrive at OR Tambo on July 15. Just after 8am on that date I was contacted by the Animal Taxi delivery service, describing the kitten and informing me that the kitten was with him but unfortunately the container was not satisfactory for transport and that they supplied the proper climatecontrolled transport cage for a deposit of R9 100 of which they would only retain R100 for the use and would refund me R9 000.

I immediately did an EFT for the amount. About 10 minutes later he contacted me again informing me that I needed to transfer insurance money of R12 500 which would be fully refunded.

Realising this had to be a scam, I went straight to the bank where I was informed that the monies had already been withdrawn from an ATM in Johannesburg. I googled Animal Taxi and saw many complaints about it being a scam.

I phoned said Elizabeth Johanna, not then realising that the scam was all connected to her, and she assured me that it was a very reputable company whom she had often dealt with and as soon as I paid the other R12 500 the kitten would be delivered and my monies refunded.

I refused, saying that I did not know her, and she said she would immediately send her and her husband’s IDs, which she did.

I have since been in contact with the “husband”, Johann, who told me he was duped in the same way and now his ID is being used fraudulently. I published the scam on Facebook and was just informed by two other people that they had been sent my ID as the person they are dealing with in buying puppies!

These people obtain copies of our IDs by saying they need them to book the pets’ flights.

We have opened cases with the SAPS and needless to say been handled poorly.

I can’t even get them to recognise that the so-called breeder and so-called delivery service are connected.

I am appealing to you to please help us as the public in solving this scam and protecting further unsuspecting citizens. Mariana Huyser