Animal shelters across Colorado are alerting the public about a disturbing scam that preys on pet owners already heartbroken over missing animals. According to the Denver Animal Shelter, multiple pet owners have visited the shelter after receiving alarming phone calls about their missing pets.
Scam Description
The scam involves callers claiming that a missing pet has been injured in an accident, such as being hit by a car, and requires immediate medical treatment. Victims are then told they need to pay a deposit of $500 to cover emergency surgery, with the payment requested via credit card over the phone. However, the Denver Animal Shelter confirmed that they do not contact owners about their missing pets in this way and will never ask for payments over the phone.
“We’ve been seeing this scam for a few months now,” said Jaret Manke, a spokesperson for Denver Animal Shelter. “People come in saying their animal is undergoing emergency surgery with us, and they were told they needed to send a large sum of money through Venmo or by credit card for us to perform the surgery. That’s not how we operate at the shelter.”
Wider Impact in the Denver Area
The scam is not isolated to Denver alone. Other shelters in the metro area have also reported similar incidents. The Dumb Friends League Buddy Center in Castle Rock revealed that scammers are using their name to ask for money. Some victims reported receiving calls with caller ID showing the Buddy Center’s contact information, demanding up to $1,300.
How to Protect Yourself
Animal shelters advise pet owners to be cautious and take steps to prevent falling victim to such scams. If your pet goes missing, post information only on trusted lost pet websites, using your first name and contact details. Check the websites of local shelters regularly as they update their listings of lost pets every hour. Additionally, post lost pet signs in your neighborhood.
To increase the likelihood of your pet being returned home safely, ensure that your pet is microchipped, licensed, and wearing an ID tag.
If someone calls claiming to have found your pet and demands money, hang up immediately and contact the shelter directly to verify the claim.
Source: CBS News
Leave a comment