In the UK, there is a specific type of fraud being perpetrated against pet owners which is known as an Authorised Push Payment. It happens like this.
Fraudsters trawl through lost pet forums and websites of which there are many on the Internet and contact the pet owners to tell them that they have found their companion animal but demand a ransom payment for the return of the animal to their caregiver.
Of course, they’ve not found the animal and that is the scam element of it. UK Finance’s figures tell us that these scams amounted to almost £240 million in the first six months of last year.
The problem apparently comes from the fact that personal information is now readily available on social media forums. Scammers can trick people into believing that they are legitimate.
Those are the thoughts of James Jones head of consumer affairs at Experian. An additional thought comes from me which is that cat and dog owners who have lost their companion animal are very anxious about the welfare of their pet. They want them back. They are highly concerned about their loss companion animal.
They are in a vulnerable position in terms of being scammed. They are perhaps very eager if not desperate for the return of their pet. This opens them up to fraudsters by which I mean they are more likely to believe a fraudster because they want to believe that there cat or dog has been found.
The only way forward is for people advertising the loss of their pet to remain vigilant to scammers. They should learn to spot scammer techniques and stories. They do tend to follow a pattern.
For example, scammers can use pictures and advertisements to identify the lost animal and then paint a visual picture that they have the animal in their possession. This helps to convince the owner that their pet has truly been found.
That said, if anybody at any stage starts to blackmail you about the return of your lost cat or dog by demanding ransom money, you simply must reject that advance. It’s obviously completely immoral to demand ransom money although I guess sometimes the scammer might demand some money to cover their expenses but no doubt the amount will be exorbitant and therefore I think you have to believe that anybody demanding payment for finding your cat or dog is a scammer.
At the stage that the scammer demands money I think you can presume that they do not have your pet. It is not the kind of behaviour of a person who is genuinely trying to help.
Some tips in IDing a scammer
Detecting an internet scammer who claims to have found a lost companion animal can be crucial. Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Overly Aggressive or Demanding Tone: Scammers often use pressure tactics. If the person insists on immediate payment or threatens harm to the pet, be cautious.
- Requests for Money Upfront: If the individual asks for payment before providing any proof of having the pet, it’s suspicious. Legitimate finders usually share photos or details first.
- Unverified Contact Information: Check if their contact details match the original lost pet post. Scammers may use different names or email addresses.
- Inconsistent Stories: Ask for specific details about the pet’s appearance, location, or behavior. Scammers might provide vague or conflicting information.
- Refusal to Meet in Person: A genuine finder would be willing to meet face-to-face to return the pet. If they avoid this, be cautious.
- No Social Media Presence: Search for the person’s name or email online. Lack of social media presence or suspicious profiles could indicate a scam.
- Too Good to Be True: If the person claims to have found your pet quickly and easily, without any effort, it might be a scam.
Remember to trust your instincts and verify information thoroughly before proceeding. Always prioritize safety and the well-being of your beloved companion. 🐾
