MELAKA: A teacher, who wanted to buy a RM600 Munchkin cat offered on social media, ended up losing almost RM38,000.
Munchkin cats are defined by their short legs and long spine, which are caused by genetic mutation.
Also known as the sausage cat, it was supposedly specially flown from Jakarta to the buyer, said Alor Gajah OCPD Supt Arshad Abu.
“She had engaged in a deal to buy the feline after seeing an advertisement on Facebook at 3pm on Aug 23,” he said yesterday.
The 39-year-old teacher had agreed to purchase the cat when the price was offered at RM600.
Supt Arshad said the woman paid a deposit of RM300 before being told she needed a special permit from the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), as well as to pay for the air transportation.
“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 woman transferred almost RM38,000 between Aug 24 and Aug 26.
The victim lodged a police report at the Alor Gajah police station on Aug 27 after realising she was duped.
