Nationwide scam targets owners of missing pets

Pet owners are being warned about a distressing scam that exploits the emotional turmoil of losing a beloved pet. This scam involves callers who claim to have found the missing pet and demand payment for its return.

How the missing pet scam works

Scammers typically find their victims through social media posts about lost pets. They monitor platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where distraught owners share details about their missing animals. Once the scammers identify a target, they contact the pet owner, usually outside of normal business hours, posing as animal shelter employees or animal control officers.

The scammers use caller ID spoofing to make it appear as if the call is coming from a legitimate organization, such as a local animal shelter. They claim to have the missing pet but say that the animal requires immediate medical attention or has incurred other expenses. They demand payment via electronic means, such as Venmo, PayPal, or CashApp, creating a sense of urgency and fear in the pet owner.

Another way the scam works is the scammer will text their victim saying they found their pet but need to verify the person is the real owner by sending a 6-digit verification number. Scammers use these verification numbers to get access to your email, bank accounts, social media accounts and more.

Real-life incidents

In Wake County, North Carolina, officials reported cases where scammers pretended to be from the Wake County Animal Center, asking for money to cover emergency surgery for the found pet. This scam has led at least one cat owner to fall victim to these fraudulent demands.

Similarly, the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region has warned about scammers pretending to be shelter workers and asking for payments over the phone.

Warning signs and prevention

To protect yourself from this scam, keep the following tips in mind:

• Verify the caller. If someone claims to have your pet and demands payment, ask for specific details that only an animal control officer or shelter worker would know. Hang up and call the organization back using an official number from their website.
• No payments over the phone. Legitimate shelters and animal services will not request payment over the phone. Payments for any services are typically made in person.
• Report suspicious activity. If you receive a call that you suspect is a scammer, report it to your local police department and the animal shelter the caller purported to represent.
• If the scammer asks for a 6-digit code, they are a scammer! Never give them a code.

This scam is particularly cruel as it targets individuals at their most vulnerable moments. By staying informed and cautious, pet owners can better protect themselves from falling victim to such heartless schemes. If you are ever in doubt, always reach out directly to local animal control or shelters to verify any claims about your missing pet.

Have you ever lost a pet? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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