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Last updated on July 5th, 2024 at 04:16 pm
New Post has been published on http://lifewithpal.com/2017/07/21/bbb-scam-alert-email-copy-2/
BBB Scam Alert Email (Copy)
Lost Pet? Watch Out for This Text Message Scam
Posting on social media is a great way to alert a wide range of people about a lost pet. Unfortunately, that same publicity can put you at risk for scams. Con artists comb social posts to find targets who have lost their beloved pets.
How the Scam Works
You recently lost your pet, so you turn to social media to alert friends and neighbors. You create a public post – or even a group – to help spread the word. You share your phone number and other details, so people can easily reach you.
A few days later, you get a text message from someone claiming to have found your lost dog or cat. You ask them to describe your pet and/or send a photo, but the conversation quickly takes a strange turn. The scammer will give excuses, such as being out of town or not having a working smartphone, for why they can’t snap a photo. Instead, the person will pressure you for money (or a gift card) to return your pet. Although you may be tempted to do anything to see your dog or cat returned safely, don’t pay up! The scammer doesn’t have your pet. They will just take the money and disappear.
How to Avoid a Lost Pet Con :
Follow these tips to prevent falling victim to a pet loss scam:
Limit the information in your social posts : If you post on Facebook or other social media, omit information about unique physical attributes. This can help you verify if someone really found your pet.
Watch for spoofed numbers : If you get a call from someone claiming to have your pet, ask them for a phone number where you can call them back. Scammers often spoof phone numbers, so they appear to be calling from somewhere else.
Ask for a photo : If a caller claims to have your pet in their possession, ask them to send a current picture. If the “finder” gets defensive or makes a lot of excuses, it’s a red flag.
Never wire money or use a prepaid debit card to pay anyone you don’t know . This is the same as sending cash.
Microchip and/or ID tag your pet : Consider having your veterinarian microchip your pet, or make sure they always wear a collar and ID tag.
For more information :
Thanks to BBB Central Georgia for information on this scam. Check out coverage of the scam on Buzzfeed including screen shots of phishing text messages.
