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Detroit Pet Owners Alerted About Phone Scam Targeting Lost Pets

Detroit Pet Owners are urged to be cautious of scams targeting lost pets.

News Summary

The Detroit Animal Care and Control warns pet owners about a scam where fake DACC staff claim to have found lost pets needing urgent medical attention. Scammers use emotional manipulation to extract money, often through Apple Pay, preying on concerned pet parents. DACC emphasizes they will never request payments over the phone, urging vigilance among pet owners and reporting of suspicious calls to authorities to protect the community from potential fraud.

Attention, Detroit Pet Owners: Beware of Crafty Phone Scam!

Hey there, folks of Detroit! If you’re a pet owner, it’s time to put on your detective hats. The Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC) has sounded the alarm about a sneaky phone scam that’s causing heartache for those who’ve reported their furry friends missing. Yes, you heard right! People pretending to be DACC staff are preying on vulnerable pet owners, claiming they have good news about their lost pets. But hold onto your collars because it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.

How This Scam Works

So here’s the scoop: These impersonators reach out to pet owners with an emotional pitch, reporting that the lost pet has been found but, oh no! It’s injured and needs emergency surgery. Now, imagine the panic that sets in when a devoted pet parent hears that their beloved creature is hurt. Understandably, many will want to help instantly!

But there’s a catch—these fraudulent callers ask for money. They suggest that payment can be made easily through Apple Pay. It’s designed to tug at your heartstrings and coax you into acting quickly. But before you whip out your phone to send money, keep this in mind: the DACC will NEVER ask for payments over the phone!

What You Need to Know

Many are wondering, how do these scammers know whom to call? Well, it’s believed that they are scouring social media platforms for posts about lost pets. This means that sharing your pet’s missing status could inadvertently make you a target for these con artists. So, staying mindful about what you post online is crucial!

In case you’re wondering, the DACC doesn’t accept any payments via gift cards or Apple Pay—and they want all pet owners to know that if anyone calls asking for this type of payment, it’s likely a scam. Instead, they recommend that anyone who receives such calls should stay calm, gather details, and report it. Remember, knowledge is power!

How to Act

If you find yourself on the receiving end of one of these dubious calls, don’t panic! First, hang up and take a deep breath. Then, make sure to report the suspicious call to the authorities. You can reach out to your local Detroit Police Precinct or give the Detroit Police Department’s non-emergency line a ring at 313-267-4600. Every little report can help put a stop to these scammers so that no one else gets tricked into giving away their hard-earned cash.

Stay Safe, Pet Lovers!

We know how much you love your four-legged companions, and the last thing you want is to be taken advantage of during such a stressful time. It’s sad that in our community, others can stoop so low, but by spreading the word, we can help protect each other. If you’re helping a friend search for their lost pet, remind them to be vigilant against these kinds of calls.

So keep those ears perked and those eyes open, Detroit! Share the news and let’s look out for one another—and our beloved pets—so they’ll soon be safe back in our arms where they belong!