If you’re a pet owner in Broward County, Florida, you might want to keep your guard up. Organizations are ringing the sharing that scammers are taking advantage of people desperately searching for their lost pets. It’s a sad reality that shows just how low some people will go to exploit others during tough times.
According to a Local 10 News report, scammers are posing as representatives from The Humane Society, reaching out to pet owners who are using platforms like Ring, Nextdoor, Facebook, and Pawboost to find their furry friends.
The report said that these fraudsters often claim that the lost pets are waiting for them at the shelter, but there’s a catch: the owners need to send money for “emergency veterinary care” first. It’s an unpopular trick that preys on the hopes of worried pet parents.
On Monday night, one victim reached out to The Humane Society in Broward County, eager to find out when she could visit the shelter to see her beloved pet. Cherie Wachter, a spokeswoman for the organization, responded the next day with some disappointing news, according to the Local 10 News report.
“We contacted her this morning to let her know we do not have her pet and she was the victim of unscrupulous people trying to steal from vulnerable people,” Wachter said.
Wachter shared that another person fell for the same scam, showing up at the shelter in search of his lost dog. “One person even said that the caller ID showed it was the shelter calling.
“We have since learned that your phone number can be manipulated,” she explained.
The scammers are also pushing victims to use payment apps like Venmo or Zelle, making it even easier for them to disappear with the cash.
For those offering rewards for their lost pets, Wachter advises waiting to pay until they have their furry friend back home.
“What else will these ‘people’ come up with?!! SMH!!” –one frustrated local commented on Local 10 about the situation.
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