Heartless scammers are targeting Iowans with lost pets, posing as rescuers and demanding cash for bogus vet bills—here’s how to protect yourself.
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DES MOINES, IA
– Losing a pet is a heart-wrenching experience for any family, but now folks in
Iowa
searching for their furry friends are being targeted by scammers using false claims and emotional manipulation. According to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL), these fraudsters are posing as rescuers and demanding money for fake veterinary expenses, preying on the vulnerability of pet owners desperate to reunite with their pets.
How the Scam Works
The Des Moines-based ARL has received reports of scammers impersonating their organization and contacting pet owners who have reported a missing animal.
According to an ARL Facebook post from Thursday, “The scammer has contacted owners of lost pets and falsely claimed that the pets had been found and needed urgent medical care.”
These scammers go a step further, demanding immediate payment for supposed medical costs through third-party payment platforms, claiming it’s the only way to retrieve the lost pet. The ARL emphasizes that this is not how they operate: “which is something the ARL will never do,” they clarified in the post.
Protecting Yourself from Fraud
The ARL advises pet owners to take specific steps to verify claims if contacted by someone stating they have found a lost pet. First, reach out directly to the organization to confirm whether their claim is legitimate. Second, check reputable lost pet websites such as PetcoLoveLost.org and IowaPetAlert.com, where the ARL lists all lost pets it takes in.
“Remember, reputable shelters will never ask for any payment up front without giving you the opportunity to visit their facility and see your pet,” the ARL stated, underscoring the importance of due diligence to avoid falling victim to scams.
What to Do If You’re Targeted
The ARL remains committed to ethical practices in reuniting families with their pets. “The ARL is committed to helping reunite lost pets with their families in a secure and ethical manner,” they explained.
If you suspect fraudulent activity or are targeted by a pet-related scam, the ARL urges you to contact them or your local law enforcement agency immediately.
By staying vigilant and informed, pet owners can protect themselves from these deceptive schemes. While the heartbreak of a lost pet is difficult, resources like the ARL and other trusted organizations are there to provide support and guidance.
RELATED TOPICS:
Crime
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Scams
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Animals and Pets
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Iowa
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