Denver Animal Shelter Warns Community of Lost Pet Scam
Published on December 06, 2024
Denver Animal Shelter (DAS) is sounding the alarm about scammers playing Grinch on owners of lost pets this holiday season.
A number of residents have come to DAS looking for their lost pets because they received a phone call from someone saying their lost pet is at the shelter and needs emergency surgery after being hit by a car. But the scammer says before the shelter will begin treating their pet, they need a $500 deposit. They say that money must be paid via a credit card over the phone. DAS will never take a payment over the phone, only in person.
Potential victims say the scammer’s phone number comes up as 311—Denver’s main information number—which makes them think the call is legit.
DAS Director Melanie Sobel says it’s likely the scammers are finding their potential victims through lost pet social media sites, like PawBoost and 24HourPetconnect. It is here that people who have lost pets post about their missing dog or cat, along with their phone number, in hopes someone finds their furry family members and returns them.
This is a scam DAS saw several months ago but appears to be rekindled.
The scam is also impacting other shelters in the metro area, including the Buddy Center in Castle Rock, where scammers asked for $1,300. The caller ID on a pet owner’s phone showed up as the Buddy Center, which it wasn’t.
“It is disgusting that anyone would take advantage of someone who has lost a pet, who is very emotional and desperate to find their furry family member. Luckily, the pet owners who've been contacted by scammers pretending to be with us are suspicious and don’t fall for the ploy,” says Sobel.
It’s recommended if you lose a dog or cat to post only on reputable lost pet community sites, use only your first name and contact information. Also, continuously check area animal shelter websites for lost pets, which are updated hourly. Post lost pet signs in your neighborhood. Also, to make it easier to return lost pets home, make sure they’re licensed, are wearing an ID tag and are microchipped.
And if someone calls to say they have your pet at a shelter and they demand money, hang up and call the shelter yourself to verify.
Losing a pet can be a painful, distressing situation. Scammers are counting on these frantic emotions to inflict even further pain by stealing your money. Don’t let them get away with it.