Scammers prey on society’s most vulnerable and will do anything to exploit their victims’ emotions for financial gain, and in a vile new scheme, these scammers are up to something even more despicable, taking advantage of distraught pet owners desperately searching for their missing pets.
“Lost pet” scams cleverly exploit the distress and attachment of loving pet owners to deceive them and extract money from them.
This insidious tactic is heartbreaking, and it is imperative that pet owners remain informed and vigilant, to avoid falling prey to such ruthless exploitation at their time of need. Here’s what you need to know to avoid falling victim to this scam so you can focus on finding your beloved pet.
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A man with a dog is on the street. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
What is a “lost pet” scam?
“Lost Pet” scams are scams that specifically target lost pet owners. Imagine your dog has run away or your cat has escaped through a window. You’ll put up “Lost Pet” signs around your neighborhood and share the posts on social media to help spread the news if someone finds your pet. They might even offer a reward (though this isn’t a problem for scammers who already have other tactics for making money).
Scammers will look for these posts outright or search online (this isn’t hard) and then call the number on the sign or post. The pet owner on the other end of the phone (who is likely anxiously awaiting the call) is suddenly caught off guard by the scammer’s ploy. One ploy is to claim that they have found your pet but need to take it to the vet and need money to pay for the vet bills.
Another tactic is to tell the victim they have found their pet, but demand an exorbitant amount of money. If the owner realizes that this may be bordering on extortion (the scammer believes they still own the pet), the scammer may begin threatening to harm the pet until the victim gives up the money. If the victim in turn threatens to call the police, the scammer may threaten to kill the pet.
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A “lost cat” post on a tree. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
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How to avoid becoming a victim of “lost pet” scams
The first thing to understand is that scammers are not on your side. Most people who find lost pets will help return them to their owners. If a scammer is calling you, there’s a good chance they don’t actually own your pet. And if they do (perhaps they stole your pet), you should call the police anyway.
1. Ask them to describe your pet. To prevent people from reading your “lost pet” poster, make sure it contains information that only actual pet owners would know.
2. Tell them you want them to “listen” to your pet. Most pet owners can recognize the sound of their dog’s bark.
3. Ask how and when they found their pet.
4. If your pet is microchipped, have it scanned.
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5. Ask for video evidence or photos of your pet. Remember, AI is helping scammers get an easy way out, so if it looks fake, it probably is. If they really do own your pet, agree to hand over the money directly when you hand over your pet.
6. If you are billed for vet fees, tell them that you have insurance for your pet and that you need to speak to the vet office where you took your pet.Once you know where the scammer is located and where they are calling from, you can search for veterinary practices in the area to see if anyone has seen your pet there.
Of course, in addition to all this, do your best to keep your pet safe – provide a proper fence and a proper harness/leash for walks. In addition to scammers who scam people who have lost their pets, there are also people who actually steal pets and extort money from the owners. Sadly, this is becoming more and more common these days. For example, some pet owners: GPS Tracker You may have set a password for your pet to help you in these situations, but hackers can also access it and track your pet (and by default, you).
How to use the Internet to find lost pets
Many of us have experienced the pain of having a pet run away from home. Luckily, microchipping and social media give pet owners hope that they may be reunited with their pets. However, it’s important to use the internet safely to avoid falling victim to these scams, and to focus on connecting with people who have your and your pet’s best interests at heart.
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Check out animal shelters and centers in your area. Your pet may be there. Researching online can help you find the best and fastest way to contact them. It’s also helpful to let them know in advance in case your pet ends up at the shelter or center.
Look for local neighborhood or community groups, as well as “lost/found pet” groups in your area. It’s safer to join groups where members are invited or must answer a question to join, to limit the number of strangers who don’t belong in these groups. So, you can start by browsing “lost pets” to see if anyone has come across your pet. If you can’t find anything, post about your pet and include a photo, but see if you can leave out one or two non-essential identifying details that only people with the pet can see.
A woman with a pet. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
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We understand: losing a pet can be a very stressful and emotional experience. Your dog is a member of the family, and of course you will do anything to get him back safely. But beware of unscrupulous scammers who will take advantage of your vulnerability. They have no shame and will go to even more despicable lengths to make money for themselves.
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Ultimately, use common sense. If you seem suspicious of someone claiming to own your pet, trust your instincts. Don’t let desperation cloud your judgement. Stay vigilant but also stay calm. Your pet is counting on you to outwit the scammers. With street smarts and the right precautions, you can focus on what really matters: getting your beloved companion safe and sound in your arms again.
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