Arizona Humane Society Warns of Scam Targeting Pet Owners
The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) is alerting pet owners to a recent surge in scams targeting individuals with missing animals. Scammers are exploiting the emotional distress of pet owners by falsely claiming to have found their lost companions and demanding payment for their return or for alleged emergency medical treatment.
How the Scam Works
According to reports, scammers are contacting pet owners through online platforms and via phone calls. They claim to have located the missing pet and state that the animal requires immediate veterinary care. The scammers then request money from the owners to cover these fabricated medical expenses.
What the Arizona Humane Society is Saying
AHS emphasizes that they never request payment over the phone for emergency medical services for lost pets. They state that any legitimate communication from AHS regarding a found pet will always include an official Animal Identification number in any voicemail, text message, or email. AHS spokesperson Kelsey Dickerson stated, “We understand how stressful and emotional it can be when a pet is missing, and it’s upsetting that anyone would grab advantage of that vulnerable moment.”
Protecting Yourself from the Scam
- Do not send money: Never provide payment to anyone claiming to have your pet without verifying their identity and the situation independently.
- Request Identification: Ask for an official Animal Identification number. If one isn’t provided, the communication is likely a scam.
- Contact Law Enforcement: If you receive a suspicious call or message, report it to your local law enforcement agency.
- Verify with AHS Directly: If you believe a scammer is impersonating AHS, contact the organization directly to confirm.
AHS Standard Procedures for Found Pets
AHS does charge fees when owners reclaim their lost pets, which may include return-to-owner fees, boarding costs, and veterinary care expenses. However, these fees are always discussed in person when the owner comes to pick up their pet, not over the phone. AHS officials urge pet owners to be cautious and aware of these fraudulent practices.
Resources
For information on reporting a missing pet or finding a lost pet, visit the Arizona Humane Society’s Lost Pet resources page: azhumane.org/LostPet
Arizona Humane Society Community Alert