Lost Pet Scams to Avoid
A list of typical scams used on Lost pet owners.
When you post a lost cat on Facebook or Instagram, beware of comments recommending fake pet detectives who are not MARN certified with no verifiable track record or Google Reviews.
COMMON LOST PET SCAM LIST
Beware these typical Lost Cat Scams
-
Owner gets a call from a "shelter" that their cat was found but injured and they need cash to start treatment. Scammers can even spoof a real vet or shelter number. Do not trust anyone who cannot send a photo of your cat.
-
Be cautious of comments on Lost Pet Facebook groups / Instagram advising you to call a certain group or fake /spoofed organization. They claim a certain rescue squad "Found my pet in 24 hours, and can find yours, too. Just contact them." Don't click the link. Check out the name on a new page to see if they're certified on MARN or Google Reviews. They may change the name with each comment or post.
-
Someone calls you asking for a 6-digit code to prove you're the lost pet's owner. Do not give it out, even if you get a Google alert! They are trying to obtain your Google login code to hack into your data. They may claim to be a rescue on Instagram, Facebook, or even a vet or drone company.
-
Caller claims they are a breeder from out of state. They say a person approached them with your lost cat and wanted to sell it to them. The caller says they don't have enough gas to return and wants money for vet bills or gas to bring the pet back.
-
Caller claims to have found the pet but couldn't keep it so they gave it to someone else to care for while they looked for the owner. Caller says they bought food and supplies and wants to be reimbursed. They ask for smallish amounts of money, like $25-$75 to give you the name or address of the person who has the pet.
-
Man + Woman Team: Woman calls speaking quietly as if she's scared to be heard talking on the phone. She says a man found the cat and is going to adopt it out or hurt it. She says she'll try to talk to him. Then, the man calls back, refuses to send photos, and threatens to put the cat in with his pit bulls to fight.
-
A person or kid calls or texts the owner to say they saw the cat deceased. Then miraculously, the cat comes home a few days later. Usually a cruel prank. If you're not sure if it might be legit, ask for exact address and date. Ask them to meet you where they saw it. Take someone with you and go during during daylight hours.
DON’T GIVE UP
Avoid these lost pet scams. Don't listen to people who aren't supportive. Your cat is out there somewhere. Remain calm and persistent. Use the strategy that's right for your cat's situation and personality. Statistics show owners who start looking right away with strategies from the Lost Cat Kit have a better chance of finding their cat. Be that person! Stay positive and keep up your search at least three months.
Don't give up!
Tips compiled courtesy of Lost Cat Finder.com