September 19, 2018
Goomeri police have warned residents considering buying pets or property online after a recent incident which led to a Gold Coast woman being charged.
said that on September 6, Goomeri Police were approach by a local stakeholder who reported a scam that had occurred on social media.
The seller was offering dogs for sale or contacting people looking for dogs.
Goomeri police investigated and revealed a Sunshine Coast woman had also had fallen victim to a similar scam, losing $1600.
Police allege the offender maintained contact over several days and happily answered any questions.
Photos of different dogs were sent to the prospective buyers.
However, once the money was transferred, all contact ceased.
Goomeri police traced the “seller” to an address on the Gold Coast and with the assistance of Gold Coast Police, a woman was located and charged,
She is expected to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on September 26 to face two counts of fraud.
“This particular scam is very calculated and cruel as it targets human emotions and the feelings of people looking to buy new pet to join their families,” Senior Constable Marabini said.
“Police would also like to remind people that the service will continue to investigate and use all available resources to detect and apprehend offenders, wherever they may be in the State or elsewhere.
“Police would recommend if considering purchasing pets or property online to use due diligence and deal only with trusted sources such as registered breeders or animal shelters like the RSPCA, and never hand over or send money to an unknown person.”
