Pet Scams

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We are aware of a scam targeting individuals who are searching for lost pets. In these cases, scammers monitor social media posts and missing pet flyers, then contact pet owners claiming they have found their animal or can assist in locating it.

These scammers often use sophisticated tactics, including sending photos—sometimes AI-generated or of similar-looking animals—to make their claims appear legitimate. They may also pose as professional search services, such as K-9 teams, drone operators, or recovery specialists, offering to help locate the pet for a fee.

In many cases, the suspect will claim the pet has been found and is in their possession, or that it is receiving emergency veterinary care. They then demand immediate payment for a reward, medical treatment, or “rescue fees,” often requesting funds through digital payment platforms such as Zelle or cryptocurrency.

Example Message:

Pet Scam Message

Common Tactics Used

Scammers monitoring social media and missing pet posts, then contacting owners claiming they have found the pet or can help locate it.
Sending AI-generated, stolen, or similar-looking pet photos to make their claims appear legitimate.
Impersonating professional search services (K-9 units, drone teams, or recovery specialists) and requesting upfront payment.
Claiming the pet has been found or is receiving emergency veterinary care, then demanding immediate payment for rewards, medical bills, or “rescue fees.”
Requesting payment through cryptocurrency or digital payment apps, then quickly transferring funds to prevent recovery and cutting off communication.

Warning Signs

Unsolicited messages from someone claiming they found your pet or can help, especially if you did not contact them first.
Requests for immediate payment before meeting or verifying your pet, often creating urgency or pressure.
Demands for payment through cryptocurrency, gift cards, or peer-to-peer apps like Zelle.
Photos that look overly polished, generic, or do not clearly match your pet’s unique features.
Claims your pet is injured or at a veterinary clinic, paired with urgent requests for money to cover “medical” or “rescue” fees.

What Not To Do

What You Can Do

Verify all claims independently by contacting local animal shelters, veterinarians, and checking microchip registries.
Arrange to meet in a safe, public location (such as a police station) and confirm the pet before providing any payment.
Preserve evidence, including screenshots of messages, phone numbers, usernames, payment requests, and transaction details.
Report the scam to the social media platform, your financial institution or payment provider, and file a police report.
When posting about a lost pet, limit personal information and use trusted local networks or community groups.