New scam targets pet owners, posing as local government officials – NBC Los Angeles

Orange County officials warned the public about scammers posing as law enforcement officials and targeting pet owners whose animals are missing.

Criminals would call people, claiming their pet was hit by a car or involved in a similar incident, according to the Mission Viejo Animal Services. 

Then scammers would urge pet owners to make a payment, saying their animal, which was treated by a veterinarian, won’t be released until the medical costs are paid for.

In one instance, a scammer said that a nonprofit would cover some of the costs, but the owner needed to cover the rest.

The scammers would typically ask people to pay through Zelle or Venmo, according to the animal services.

“Scams target people to create emotion and stir up feelings to get a quick response, as seen in this scam, as well as the grandparent scam, outstanding warrant scam, and others that appear to necessitate quick payment and response,” said Crime Prevention Specialist Lisa Lebron Flores.

Mission Viejo said people who receive a suspicious call like this should not send any money and contact the agency to verify what the caller said.

The best way to prevent getting scammed is not to answer phone calls from unknown numbers.

The shelter said that anyone who wants to report a scam should contact their local sheriff’s office.