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Couple duped by Cameroon puppy scam
A pregnant mum has told how she ended up hundreds of pounds out of pocket after being duped into buying a non-existent puppy by Internet fraudsters.
Mum-of-one Kayleigh Holmes, 23, from Deepdale, warned animal lovers to steer clear of the online pet scam after trying to buy a King Charles Cavalier puppy for her three-year-old son.
Kayleigh and her partner Barry Johnson, 29, responded to an advert on a UK classifieds website after deciding to buy a King Charles puppy – normally around 400 – for just 150.
The heartless online fraud involves adverts offering pedigree dogs for a fraction of the usual price.
Enticed by cute pictures and details of the pet's background, the couple were persuaded to send the cash by money transfer.
Kayleigh says: "We had our hearts set on the puppy and rang the woman, who told us she was in Aberdeen on a course but that she would use a cargo service to deliver the dog to us.
"We sent 150 for the dog to Cameroon – we thought it was odd but were gullible and just wanted the dog."
Kayleigh and Barry wired the money through a payment at their local post office, and received a phone call from a man claiming to be from a pet cargo depot saying the dog was being loaded into a wagon.
But moments later they got an e-mail claiming the dog could not be released until they sent a 600 fee to cover its insurance, injections and transportation costs.
Kayleigh, from Ringwood Road, added: "We smelled a rat and rang the woman who was selling the dog to see what was going on – but the same man answered the phone.
"We told them we would call the police which we did. However, we have lost the 150 because the payment can't be traced.
"It is a very cruel fraud because they know people have their heart set on a puppy. We were furious."
Police warned potential pet owners to be on their guard. PC Andrew Knight revealed a second family in the Lea area had suffered a similar scam.
He said: "We've had a number of similar scams involving a range of items. It appears the current issue is over dogs but as soon as the scammers are alerted we are on their trail it will change to something else. If it seems too good to be true then it probably is.
"If you see a 1,000 dog advertised for 500 it should set alarm bells ringing. You should always make sure you know who you are dealing with. Sending cash via Western Union or Money is OK if you know who the cash is going to but it is not a secure way of paying for something. "
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club spokesman, said: "Puppy buyers should always be extremely careful. You should always make sure that you see the puppy with the mother and in its home environment."
What's your most embarrassing moment? If you can bear to tell us, add a comment below, or email lep.newsdesk@lep.co.uk.
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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