Pet owners in Tampa Bay, beware! A new scam is targeting those searching for their lost animals, exploiting their emotional vulnerability. Scammers are impersonating Humane Society of Tampa Bay (HSTB) staff, using information from lost-and-found pet websites and social media posts.
These fraudsters employ sophisticated tactics, including:
– Spoofing HSTB’s phone number
– Mimicking parts of HSTB’s recorded phone message
– Falsely claiming to have found the lost pet
– Insisting the animal needs emergency surgery
– Pressuring owners to send money immediately via PayPal or other payment methods
It’s crucial to remember that HSTB will never call demanding payment over the phone for lost pets or emergency surgery. If you receive a suspicious call, do not send money—hang up immediately!
Similar scams have been reported in other parts of Florida, including Broward County, where at least seven people have reported such incidents. In one case, a pet owner lost $2,000 to these scammers.
To protect yourself:
1. Be skeptical of unsolicited calls about your lost pet
2. Never send money without verifying the caller’s identity
3. Visit the Humane Society in person if you receive a suspicious call
4. Report any fraudulent activity to law enforcement
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay urges the community to stay vigilant and share this information to prevent others from falling victim to this heartless scam.