Scammers Preying On People Whose Animals Are Missing…
BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2024 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Pet owners posting about their lost pets on bulletin board websites like “Next Door” are being targeted in a scam. Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control issued a warning to BocaNewsNow.com:
“The Palm Beach County Department of Public Safety’s Division of Animal Care and Control (ACC) wants to let the community know that scammers have recently targeted owners of lost pets. Concerned community members who post their contact information on one of several lost pet websites are receiving calls from someone identifying themselves as an employee of ACC.
The websites being targeted: PetCo Love Lost. Paw Boost. Loxahatchee Lost and Found (FB Page). NextDoor.
The callers are reporting that the lost animals are injured and that the owners need to immediately send money to address the urgent medical needs of their pets to save their lives. ACC will NEVER ask for money over the phone and will continue to treat injured animals while trying to track down their owners. If you receive a suspicious call, please report it to law enforcement and the agency where your lost pet is listed.
Please DO NOT transfer money to anyone who calls regarding your lost pet. All pets lost or found and held at ACC are posted on our website: pbcgov.com/SNAP PBC Animal Care & Control is located at 7100 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach, just west of the Florida Turnpike. For more information, please call (561) 233-1200 or visit the website for Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control.
