e

Scam Continued from A3 Forsberg said. “When I went back outside to check on them they already left, which was suspicious since the car supposedly had issues. That’s when I thought something was fishy and I started to Google car buying scams and I came across a scam that was exactly what happened word for word to me.”

Forsberg said his suspicions grew after hearing Khouri’s story, which also occurred on the same day July 15.

Khouri said he was selling his Toyota Camry for $4,000 when three men arrived at his house to inspect the vehicle. Khouri suspects one of the men distracted him while another put oil in his coolant. Khouri said he caught on to the incident after taking

Rabies Continued from A6

18 skunks and one cat) that tested positive for rabies in El Dorado County. Historically, most rabid animals in El Dorado County are identified on the county’s West Slope, with smaller numbers reported in the South Lake Tahoe area, according to Brzezinski. Last year, rabid animals were found in numerous locations on the West Slope of El Dorado County, including the Placerville area, Shingle Springs, Georgetown, Garden Valley, Pollock Pines, Kelsey, Greenwood and Somerset. Animal Services Health Program Specialist Mary Hill advised pet owners should ensure that both dogs and cats are vaccinated. “Keeping cats up-to-date on their rabies vaccine is important due to the fact that many people keep their cats outdoors, and cats are especially interested in wildlife,” said Hill. “Also, puppies may now be vaccinated as early as three months of age; the law changed several years ago regarding the age when puppies can be vaccinated against rabies. In addition, and importantly, Animal Services advises that if you or your pet has contact with a suspected rabid animal that you report it immediately so that rabies testing can be performed.”

Rabies is a virus spread through the bite and saliva of an infected animal. It is usually fatal to pets and humans if not treated shortly after exposure. While any animal can become infected with the rabies virus, bats, skunks and foxes are the animals most the car for a test drive with the men and ended up not selling the car to them.

“Something seemed off but I figured we are in a small town and I have a ring camera … I didn’t think it would be a big deal,” Khouri said. “I learned my lesson. When dealing with people on the Facebook Marketplace, always have somebody with you.” commonly found to carry the virus. Comprehensive vaccination programs in the United States have meant that rabies among domestic pets is now uncommon.

Khouri later checked his security footage and saw what appeared to be the men pouring oil into his coolant reservoir.

Both say they filed police reports with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office. The agency did not respond to inquiries on the matter as of press time.

To prevent the spread of rabies:

• Maintain current rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats and livestock.

• Keep property free of garbage, stored bird seed and leftover pet food to avoid attracting wild animals.

• Keep pet doors closed at night to prevent entry of wild animals into the home.

• Never approach, pick up, feed or interact with unfamiliar dogs, cats or wild animals.

• Don’t approach an animal that appears sick or aggressive. Report it to Animal Services.

• Don’t touch a dead animal with bare hands.

• Call Animal Services if a domestic or wild animal shows signs of rabies (such as staggering, confusion, lack of fear or aggressive behavior).

• Notify Animal Services immediately if a person or pet is bitten or exposed to a suspected rabid animal.

• Immediately notify Animal Services if you find a bat alive or dead in your bedroom.

For more information about rabies or Animal Services visit edcgov.us/ animalservices. To reach Animal Services by phone call (530) 621-5795 in Diamond Springs or at (530) 5737925 in South Lake Tahoe.