PROJECT: KNOCKS AND SCAMS - PUPPY SCAMS
- Isabel Spies
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
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Specialised Security Services (SSS) has forewarned the South African public on numerous occasions about the dangers of online puppy scams. Despite our continuous efforts, we still receive many new cases involving these schemes.
This is why we continue to inform and educate the public by posting case-related projects to raise awareness
and help prevent future victims.
These fraudulent schemes continue to cause significant financial and emotional harm to individuals and families,
often leaving victims devastated both monetarily and psychologically.
CASE SUMMARY:
In September 2025, a South African buyer responded to an online advertisement for a puppy for sale.
The victim paid over R140,000.00 via electronic transfer for the puppy and its shipping costs.
After the initial payment, the seller repeatedly demanded additional large payments, amounting to tens of thousands of rands, for so-called “last-minute fees” such as shipping, crates, airline costs, veterinary clearance, or customs clearance.
The scammers created pressure and urgency, claiming the courier or airline would not release the animal without further payments.
The victim received fake tracking numbers, forged receipts, and false paperwork, designed to make the transaction seem legitimate.
Payments were made into personal bank accounts, not registered businesses, raising further suspicion.
When the seller refused to deliver the puppy or issue a refund, the victim sought help from the SPCA and private investigators.
Despite these efforts, the scammers continued to demand payments, and the victim suffered a significant financial loss.
The case has since been reported to Specialised Security Services (SSS) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) for investigation.
HOW THIS SCAM TYPICALLY WORKS:
These scams tend to follow similar patterns.
A desirable animal (puppy, kitten, or exotic pet) is advertised online at an attractive price.
The seller claims the animal is located in another city or country and must be “shipped”.
They promise courier tracking numbers and official documentation.
After receiving the first payment, the seller invents additional fees, such as:
Special or temperature-controlled crates.
Veterinary clearance certificates.
Airport, customs, or quarantine charges.
“Insurance” or other clearance costs.
The scammer creates a sense of urgency, threatening that the animal will be confiscated or harmed unless payments are made immediately.
They may provide stolen photos, videos, or fake paperwork to appear credible.
FIVE PRACTICAL WAYS TO VERIFY SELLERS:
To protect yourself, take these steps before making any payment:
INSIST ON A LIVE VIDEO CALL:
Ask the seller to show the animal and their identification document together on a live video, stating the current date aloud.
If they refuse or make excuses, walk away.
REVERSE-IMAGE SEARCH PHOTOS AND VIDEOS:
Use Google Images or other reverse-image tools to check if the same images appear on multiple sites — a common sign of a scam.
VERIFY COURIER AND TRACKING NUMBERS DIRECTLY:
If given a tracking number, contact the courier company directly to confirm its validity.
Many scammers use fake or stolen tracking numbers.
ARRANGE A SAFE IN-PERSON MEETING:
Whenever possible, see the animal in person or use a trusted local agent before payment.
SCRUTINISE BANK AND SELLER DETAILS:
Be wary of sellers who request payment into personal bank accounts instead of registered business accounts.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A SCAM OR HAVE ALREADY MADE A PAYMENT:
Stop all further payments immediately.
Preserve all evidence, including:
Chat logs, emails, and phone numbers.
Receipts, proof of payment, and screenshots.
Photos, videos, and voice notes.
Contact your bank’s fraud department urgently to try to freeze the receiving account or reverse the payment.
Open a case at SAPS and obtain a case number.
Provide them with all the evidence collected.
Report the scam to:
SABRIC (South African Banking Risk Information Centre).
The banking ombudsman.
The platform or website where the advertisement appeared.
If you have shared ID numbers or personal information,
Make an affidavit at the police station.
Contact credit bureaus to place fraud alerts on your profile.
This case serves as a powerful reminder that no legitimate seller will continually demand extra payments
or rush you with threats. Vigilance and verification are your best defences against these emotionally manipulative
and financially devastating scams.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
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Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
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