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Specialised Security Services alerts the public to a recent scam targeting individuals
interested in purchasing Marmoset monkeys.
This is one of many recent examples of the public being interested in buying exotic pets and
not necessarily expecting the hurdles and pitfalls associated with this type of purchase.
MODUS OPERANDI:
Scam offer:
These scammers advertise marmoset monkeys for sale, typically priced at R3,000.00 each or R5,000.00, including transportation costs.
Client interaction:
Our client agreed to pay R5,000.00 for the monkeys, including transport from Springbok to Vanderbijlpark.
They paid a deposit of R2,500.00.
Fake verification:
The scammers provided a copy of an ID for verification, which appeared legitimate as it matched the details on Truecaller.
Unexpected additional costs:
After booking the delivery, the client received an email demanding an additional R15,000.00 for insurance, supposedly refundable upon delivery.
This cost had not been disclosed initially.
Suspicious details:
The email requesting additional funds lacked professionalism, had no official invoice, no company number and included bank details only in the body of the email.
The scammers used the name of a legitimate company, Trans Global.
Company verification:
Upon contacting Trans Global, our client discovered that the company does not deal with animal transportation.
Trans Global was aware of the scammers misusing their name on various occasions in fraudulent transactions.
SAFETY MEASURES AGAINST PET SCAMS:
Verify seller's legitimacy:
Always thoroughly research and verify the seller and their credentials before making payments.
Beware of unexpected costs:
Be cautious if additional costs are introduced after initial agreements.
Check company authenticity:
Contact companies directly using contact details from their official website or other reliable sources rather than those provided in an email or message.
Professionalism matters:
Legitimate businesses will provide professional communication, official invoices, and clear contact information.
If you suspect you have encountered this scam or similar fraudulent activity, report it to the relevant authorities immediately to prevent others from falling victim or contact Mr Mike Bolhuis personally.
ADDITIONAL FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING AN EXOTIC PET:
In South Africa, keeping a Marmoset monkey as a pet is subject to strict regulations and is generally prohibited without special permits.
SUMMARY OF THE LEGALITIES REGARDING MARMOSET MONKEYS AS PETS:
Wildlife regulations:
Marmoset monkeys fall under the wildlife category and are regulated by the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). These regulations control wildlife ownership, trade, and transport to ensure their protection and conservation.
Permits and licenses:
To legally keep a Marmoset monkey, you must obtain the necessary permits from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE).
This typically involves proving that you have the resources and facilities to care for the animal correctly – you must also meet other specific requirements.
Prohibitions:
Keeping exotic animals like Marmoset monkeys as pets without appropriate permits is illegal.
Violating these regulations can result in legal consequences, including fines and confiscation of the animals.
Ethical considerations:
Even if obtaining a permit is legally possible, ethical concerns should be considered.
Marmosets are wild animals with complex needs that are difficult to meet in a typical household setting.
Their care requires specialised knowledge and facilities, making them challenging and potentially unsuitable as pets.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Group.
This group is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
HOW TO JOIN THE MIKE BOLHUIS DAILY PROJECTS WHATSAPP GROUP:
Follow the link to our WhatsApp group:
"JOIN" to ensure you never miss our daily updates.
You will receive automatic notifications as soon as a new project is posted.
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.
POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv
SSS TASK TEAM:
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Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services
PO Box 15075 Lynn East
Pretoria, Gauteng 0039
South Africa
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