HOOVER, Ala. (WBRC) – Another scam alert from the Hoover Police Department, and yet another one that preys on our emotions.
Officers say thieves are posing as animal control officials and targeting people who have lost pets.
Unfortunately, WBRC has dealt with many fraud cases and it appears that more and more people are reporting these scams to the police.
According to police officers, fortunately no one has fallen victim to the scam, but they have received several reports.
Officers said a man was calling people in the area saying he was a member of Hoover Animal Control.
Police believe the man is using social media to seek out potential victims looking for lost pets.
The scam involves telling people they have found their pet and asking them to pay a release fee over the phone to get their pet back.
Red Flag: Asking for money over the phone.
“This particular piece is a new twist on an old favorite. One is that it's by government officials, but it's people who look at obituaries and try to prey on the death of a family member. . So either way, they're both wrong and disgusting,” said Officer Brian Hale.
Hoover police said it's best to hang up, get a second opinion from a friend or family member, and never give out credit card or personal information over the phone.
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