An example of a munchkin cat.
MELAKA: A 39-year-old teacher's bid to own a Munchkin breed cat caused her to become RM38,000 poorer after falling prey to an online scam.
Alor Gajah OCPD Supt Arshad Abu said the female victim had lodged a report on Aug 27 after being fleeced by the con artist who claimed the breed, which is also known as Sausage Cat, was specially flown from Jakarta, Indonesia.
"The victim had engaged in the deal to buy the feline after seeing an advertisement while surfing Facebook at 3pm on Aug 23," he said on Monday (Aug 28).
He said the victim had agreed to purchase the cat when the price was offered at RM600.
Supt Arshad said the victim initially paid a deposit of RM300 before being told she needed a special permit from Wildlife and National Park (Perhilitan) as well as to bear the cost of sending the cat through air cargo.
"The victim was also told that she has to pay for other fees if she wanted to bring the cat into the country," he said.
Supt Arshad said the victim had then transferred a sum totalling close to RM38,000 between Aug 24 to Aug 26.
He said the victim lodged a police report at Alor Gajah police station after realising she was duped.
The report, he added, is being probed under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
