Lost Pet Scams Are on the Rise—Here’s How Pet Owners Can Protect Themselves

As pet owners, we want nothing more than to keep our furry family members happy, healthy and safe. That’s why when accidents happen and they wander away from home, it’s a stressful situation for all involved. When a pet gets lost, it’s normal for those of us who love them to become vulnerable. Unfortunately, some people see this as an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

For example, a local rescue organization is sounding the alarm about a scammer targeting people in Iowa who have lost their pets. The swindler claims they found the animals, and demands money for veterinary care. Keep reading for details and tips for staying safe from pet scammers.

Lost pet scam targets pet owners: what you need to know According to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) , Iowa residents with lost pets are receiving calls from a scammer claiming to be a rescuer with the organization and requesting money for urgent veterinary care.

“The scammer has contacted owners of lost pets and falsely claimed that the pets had been found and needed urgent medical care,” ARL shared in a Facebook post. “The scammer then asked for reimbursement for medical expenses to be sent to a third-party payment processor in order to reclaim their pets, which is something the ARL will never do.”

Liubomyr Vorona/Getty The rescue went on to encourage anyone who receives a phone call about their pet being found to contact the organization directly for verification (a smart general practice for any person contacted by someone claiming to be with an agency).

Additionally, ARL said all lost pets that arrive at the shelter are posted on PetcoLoveLost.org and IowaPetAlert.com . Owners should check both websites for accurate information about lost pets.

“The ARL is committed to helping reunite lost pets with their families in a secure and ethical manner,” the notice concluded. “If you suspect fraudulent activity or have been targeted by a pet-related scam, please contact the ARL or your local law enforcement agency.”

Tips for avoiding lost pet scams and staying safe In Iowa and beyond, there are many resources pet parents can use to bring lost pets home safely. Here are tips from the Better Business Bureau to avoid being victimized by fraudsters.

Be somewhat vague in your social posts Most of us would turn immediately to social media to ask for help finding a lost pet, especially in community groups. While this can be an excellent tool, it’s smart not to include information about unique physical details. This way, when someone reports to have found your pet, you can ask them specific questions about what the animal looks like to confirm whether the person really found your pet.

Check for fake phone numbers If you receive a phone call about your pet supposedly being found, ask the person for a phone number where you can call them back. Scammers often spoof phone numbers so false information shows up on your caller identification.

Request a photo Anyone who has your pet should be able and willing to send you a current picture of them. If the person gets defensive or makes a lot of excuses, you should proceed with caution.

Don’t send money You shouldn't wire money or use a prepaid debit card to pay anyone you don't know. If you posted a reward for finding your pet, make sure they’re returned to you before making any payment.

Microchip and ID tag your pet Consider having your veterinarian microchip your pet, as this ensures they can be scanned and identified along with your contact information. They should also always wear a collar and ID tag.

Call the police If your pet was stolen, or if you see that someone else is trying to sell your pet online, you should involve the police instead of trying to negotiate yourself.