online scam involving false sale of dogs and parrots

[Wayne]

http://news.stv.tv/scotland/highlands-i ... d-parrots/

Warning over online scam involving false sale of dogs and parrots

Residents in the Western Isles are being warned about an online scam involving the sale of pets.

A fraudster has been using the address of an unsuspecting family in Tarbert, Harris, in his adverts.

Adverts in the name of Mr R Miah or Hans Gorteng for the sale of dogs or parrots are posted on various pet websites, including one called Bird Trader.

The person asks his victims for an £185 deposit and contribution towards a pet courier service to send the animal to their address.

As soon as the money is paid, the advert is removed and the animal is never sent.

The crimes themselves have not been committed in the Highlands area, but Northern Constabulary has issued the warning because the Harris property was being used as a ghost address.

It is understood that the scam, which may originate in Nigeria, has used addresses all over the UK.

Police are urging people to be aware of the fraud and never hand over money unless confident in the origin of the seller, and never give out bank details over the phone.