By Dr.Jonathan Reed

Don’t Let Scammers Hijack the Search for Your Lost Pet

Losing a pet is one of the most emotionally overwhelming experiences a pet parent can face. Unfortunately, scammers know this—and prey on your vulnerability during these moments. While your focus is on reuniting with your furry (or feathered) friend, bad actors are working hard to exploit your concern.
Understanding the scams that specifically target pet owners can help protect you and your personal information—so you can stay focused on finding your pet safely.

🧠 1. The Fake “I Found Your Pet” Call or Text

How it works: You receive a call, text, or social media message claiming the person has your pet—often with a vague description or a generic photo. As soon as you show interest, they demand a reward to return your pet—but they can’t or won’t provide proof they actually have it.
Warning signs:
  • No current or identifiable photo of your pet
  • Refusal to meet in person or show proof
  • Pressure for immediate payment
Stay safe:
  • Insist on recent photos or a live video
  • Do not send money
  • Stop communication and report the contact to authorities or animal control

🏥 2. Fake Shelter or Rescue Impersonators

How it works: Scammers pretend to represent a shelter, vet, or rescue group. They claim to have your pet and demand “storage” or “impound” fees before you can visit or reclaim your pet.
Warning signs:
  • Caller ID looks legitimate via spoofing
  • They ask for upfront payment or personal information
  • They resist letting you verify their identity
Stay safe:
  • Independently verify the organization’s contact information (don’t use caller-supplied numbers)
  • Reputable shelters never demand money before showing you your pet

💸 3. Pet Recovery Service Frauds

How it works: Scammers offer pet recovery services — like drone searches, pet detectives, or social media advertising—for an upfront fee. Unfortunately, the service often never materializes, or it's a shell operation with little real effort.
Warning signs:
  • Service offers sound too good or guaranteed
  • Request for payment via Venmo, gift card, peer‑to‑peer
  • No verifiable history or reviews
Stay safe:
  • Use only well-known services (e.g. Petco Love Lost, PawBoost)

😢 4. Emotional Blackmail or Injury Scams

How it works: Scammers claim your missing pet is injured or sick and demand money to cover vet costs before allowing you to pick them up—or threaten euthanasia if you don’t comply.
Warning signs:
  • Urgent, emotionally manipulative tone
  • No proof of injury—only demands
  • Refusal to allow in-person verification with the pet
Stay safe:
  • Ask for detailed photos or in-person proof
  • Never give in to threats—hang up
  • Contact relevant shelter or animal control directly for confirmation

🌐 5. Fake Social Media or Profile Scams

How it works: Scammers create fake social media profiles that claim to have found your pet. They often ask you to share posts or send money for “safe return” or shipping—but offer no proof.
Warning signs:
  • Profiles with few followers, poor grammar, or recently created
  • Original post lacks details like location or date
  • Comments turned off on post to avoid exposure
Stay safe:
  • Be cautious of strangers online—even in lost & found groups
  • Don’t share overly detailed info in public posts
  • Avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing personal data

✅ Protect Yourself: Action Steps You Can Take

  1. Limit what you post publicly Avoid giving away unique pet identifiers (e.g. eye color, collar tag number) online to help verify authenticity.
  2. Verify before paying Always demand a callback number and cross-check it against official websites — do not use contact info provided by the suspect.
  3. Require proof Ask for current photos or details only the real finder would know (like a birthmark or favorite toy). If someone refuses or makes excuses, don't trust them.
  4. Never send money via wire/gift card/P2P apps These methods are essentially untraceable. Legitimate organizations won’t ask for payment in that way.
  5. Report suspicious activity File a report with:
    2. BBB Scam Tracker
    3. FTC at 877‑FTC‑HELP
    4. FBI’s IC3 at ic3.gov
    5. Your local law enforcement or animal control

🧩 Bottom Line

  • Scammers prey on pet owner's emotional distress.
  • They often impersonate shelters, use emotional manipulation, or offer fake recovery services.
  • Your best protection is skepticism, proof requests, and never sending money to someone you can’t verify.
Keep your heart strong, stay alert, and lean on trusted resources—there are many honorable people and services whose goal truly is to reunite pets with their families. 🐾

📚 References

  • Humane Society of North Texas. (2024). Beware: Common scams targeting pet owners of missing pets. Retrieved from https://www.hsnt.org
  • Pet FBI. (2025). Lost Pet Scams: How to recognize and avoid them. Retrieved from https://petfbi.org
  • Better Business Bureau. (2025, May). Lost pet? Watch out for this text message scam. Retrieved from https://www.bbb.org
  • San Francisco SPCA. (2025, March). Beware of scam calls targeting pet owners. Retrieved from https://www.sfspca.org
  • FBI El Paso. (2023, Nov). FBI Tech Tuesday: Beware of lost pet scams. Retrieved from https://www.fbi.gov

 

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