Scammers are finding the owners of lost pets online and demanding money.
The Arizona Humane Society says people are being contacted by someone claiming their missing pet has been found — but needs emergency medical care. Then comes the demand for payment over the phone. In some cases, the scammers are even spoofing the Humane Society’s phone number.
The organization says it will never ask for payment over the phone for a lost pet — and they’ll always include an official animal ID number in any real message. If you happen to get a call like this, the Humane Society is urging the public to hang up and call the police.
Tips from the Arizona Humane Society
- The Arizona Humane Society will never ask for payment over the phone for emergency medical services for a lost pet.
- If someone calls demanding immediate payment, it is not the Arizona Humane Society.
- Additionally, the Arizona Humane Society will always provide an official Animal Identification number in any voicemail, text or email if we believe your pet is in our care. If a message does not include this number, it did not come from us.
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