Greg's Corner

Missing pet scams rise after 4th

By Greg Collier

Following the recent Fourth of July celebrations over the past weekend, many pets have gone missing due to excessive fireworks in their areas. Unfortunately, scammers are exploiting the anxieties of pet owners during this time. Roanoke, Virginia, provides a prime example of how these scams are unfolding.

The Roanoke Valley SPCA has reported a surge in calls about missing pets during this time. Losing a pet is every owner’s nightmare. The hope that comes with a call saying their beloved animal has been found can quickly turn to despair when it’s revealed to be a scam.

Recently, two residents contacted the shelter after receiving suspicious calls. The scammer, posing as a third-party representative for the Roanoke Valley SPCA, claimed that their pets had been found but were injured in car accidents. The scammer said the dogs needed treatment for dislocated shoulders and requested the owners’ credit card information to cover the medical expenses. Victims were pressured and threatened with losing custody of their pets if they did not comply.

The Roanoke Valley SPCA assures that pets will never be held hostage and emphasizes that they do not take in or treat stray animals. The organization would never ask for credit card payment over the phone or hold a pet for ransom.

Posting about missing pets on social media can make pet owners targets for scammers due to the publicly accessible information and detailed descriptions shared in these posts. Desperate and emotionally vulnerable, owners often include contact information, making it easy for scammers to reach out and exploit their distress. Scammers use emotional manipulation, claiming the pet is injured or needs immediate medical attention, to pressure owners into quick payments. While social media can help in finding lost pets by reaching a large audience, it also increases the risk of scammers seeing the posts and taking advantage of the situation.

To avoid being scammed when looking for a missing pet, owners should share information in trusted community groups, avoid posting personal contact details publicly, and verify claims by asking specific questions only someone with the pet would know. Be skeptical of anyone requesting money upfront for the pet’s return, and report suspicious contacts to authorities. Ensure pets are microchipped and have ID tags, and stay informed about local scams by following animal shelters and veterinary offices for alerts and advice. These precautions can help protect owners from scams while effectively utilizing resources to find their lost pets.