"I Found Your Pet"

When you lose a pet, it is very common to post pictures of your pet, along with a phone number and your neighborhood on social media or flyers. Scammers will take this information, contact you, and claim they have your pet. However, there is usually a catch that they need money because of some hardship. They might say they cannot drive your pet back home or need reimbursement for taking your pet to the emergency vet. Scammers will then pressure you to send money in advance. Often, scammers will make a lot of excuses for not being able to provide proof they have your pet or meet in person. If someone truly has your pet, they should be able to at least send a picture to prove it.

Verification Code

A variation of this found pet scam is when a scammer will claim that they have your pet, and for them to verify that you are the owner, they will text you a verification code you provide to them. There is never a reason to provide someone who found your pet with a verification code. They do this to gain access to your online accounts. The scammers depend on people to let down their guard in hopes of finding their beloved pet and responding to anyone with potential information.

How to Protect Yourself

If someone contacts you and says they have your pet and cannot supply a picture, ask them to bring your pet to a police station, animal shelter, or rescue group. Be sure to contact this group ahead of time as well so they know the situation. If someone claims that your pet needs immediate vet attention, ask them for the vet and their phone number and tell them you will call and coordinate care directly with the vet. Do not send them money directly. If you believe someone is trying to scam you, contact your local police department and alert Petscams.com.

Want to learn more about scams and schemes effecting our community? Learn more at our Fraud Fighter blog.