The Arkansas Lost and Found Pet Network is warning of scammers targeting people with lost pets in an attempt to steal personal information.
LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Lost and Found Pet Network is warning the community about scammers posing as animal caretakers or animal cruelty investigators trying to steal personal information from people who have recently lost a pet. uttered.
“We've seen scammers contact pet owners and pet finders right after we post a pet. Some even text the person who posted the pet to say they have a pet. ,” said Donna Winchell, chief administrator of the Arkansas Lost and Found Office. I found Pet Network.
She explained that while this is not a new scam for their organization, it has been gaining momentum over the years.
“Then they'll ask if they can send that person a six-digit code and they'll give you the pet back. So if you think about it, they're trying to get information,” she says. . “They know the person's number and now they're trying to get the six-digit code, which is something you always need when you want to access your bank account or your credit card, for example. .You need to check its usage.”
She shared that the question people ask their organizations most is whether there is a way to prevent something like this from happening.
“Sometimes I am often asked: Can I block the number that the caller is from? But they always use different numbers, so you can block one, but there are always many numbers. “We will,” Winchell added.
She also said the worst thing about this scam is that scammers take advantage of people who are in a weak mental state.
“People who have lost their pets, [who are] They are desperate and heartbroken, like family members. They're grasping at straws to get their pet back, so they don't think very rationally and will do whatever it takes to get it back,” Winchell explained.
This is why their organizations are doing everything they can to spread the word, but they need more people to help spread the message.
“This is an entirely volunteer organization and no one is paid. We operate from the privacy of our homes and due to a lack of volunteers we are currently considering closing the site. We are in dire need of volunteers,'' she explained.
The goal of the Arkansas Lost and Found Pet Network is to help reunite lost pets with their owners, and despite the fraud, it said it is a mission it will pursue to the end.
“Often we know when a pet will come home and can celebrate with them. Sometimes we don't know, but we work hard to reunite pets and their owners. We're doing our best to help,” Winchell said.
She also encourages people to be conscious of who they hand over their lost pets to if they find them. Don't just leave your dog or cat with someone else. If you find a lost pet, be sure to contact your local shelter or animal control.
Click here to learn more about how you can volunteer.
