HEARTLESS VILLAINS TARGET CHARITY
The National Council of
SPCAs (N
SPCA) reports with dismay that it has been targeted and is now R16 585.00 out of pocket as a result of a complex yet plausible scam. A warning is issued to other organisations. The matter has been reported to Interpol.
When the N
SPCA received an e-mail claiming to be from a veterinarian overseas offering to donate an equipped mobile clinic, there was delight and anticipation. All reasonable checks were made to verify the legitimacy of this donation and the role players including the shipping company. Matters proceeded until payment of 2 000 US dollars was requested for door-to-door delivery. Payment was made by Forex (converts to R16 390.00 including bank charges) to an account in
Bangkok allegedly the account of the shipping company.
Suspicions became aroused when the date of arrival passed and there was no sign of the vehicle and equipment. Investigations and enquires led to the conclusion that the entire operation was a scam with villains posing as a veterinarian, an existing shipping company and ostensibly port officials in Doha in the Middle East where the vehicle was allegedly in transit.
In an effort to retrieve their hard-earned income to assist animals, the N
SPCA utilised the services of an advocate whose report on the matter stated: - “The National Council for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was the victim of what seemed to be a well run international scam operated by an entity called “Radebe Tutu Acoly. The funds have been withdrawn. The Pacific Shipping Company does exist but has no knowledge of the invoice or transaction.” The shipping company has been extremely helpful is assisting the N
SPCA in uncovering this scam.
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