Whether using a website like ours or just posting lost pet flyers in your local neighborhood, you should be careful when responding to tips and comments about your missing pet. Although its unlikely, be aware that scams have been reported by owners searching for their lost pets. From Vetstreet:
"Your pet is MIA, so you post flyers around the neighborhood and maybe even run ads on Craigslist to help you locate your lost friend.
Ways the Scam Works:
The information you’ve shared — a photo, your phone number and other details — can be used by crooks to merely pretend like they have your lost animal.
Here are the most common variations of the scam:
- Someone claiming to be a long-haul truck driver says that he found your pet near the highway and now wants money in advance to transport the animal back to your town.
- A person contacts you saying he knows who has stolen your pet and is willing to help you get the animal back — for a fee.
- This one will really tug at your heart: Your animal has been hurt, so he'll need money to cover the veterinary costs before you're reunited.
How to Protect Yourself:
A big tip-off that you’re being conned: The person demands you wire money first... To check that the person really does have your pet, ask him to describe a specific detail about your animal not advertised on any lost pet flyers or, better yet, demand to see your pet in person."
Learn more at Vetstreet.com:
Vetstreet.com: Protecting Yourself From The Lost Pet Scam
