Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control (FWACC) is alerting the public about a disturbing scam targeting pet owners. Scammers are pretending to be from FWACC, claiming to have found lost pets in critical condition and demanding money.

Scam Targets Grieving Pet Owners

Delaney Atkinson, FWACC’s Community Outreach Educator, issued a warning about the scam on Facebook, expressing her concern for those affected. The fraudulent calls are aimed at pet owners who have posted about their missing animals online. The callers claim to have the lost pets at FWACC, often providing details about the pets and even mentioning life-threatening injuries like being hit by a car.

“It’s heartbreaking that people would prey on others who are already devastated by the loss of a pet,” Atkinson stated, describing the emotional toll this scam takes on victims.

How the Scam Works

The scam begins when a person reports a missing pet on social media or local community boards. Soon after, they receive a call from someone claiming to be from FWACC. The caller provides specific details about the missing animal, including the pet’s name and fabricated injuries. In many cases, they say the animal is in critical condition and urgently needs medical attention, creating a sense of panic and desperation.

Atkinson explained that the callers will then demand immediate payment, often asking for money to cover treatment or transportation costs. However, FWACC has confirmed that it would never request payment over the phone in this manner.

Red Flags to Watch For

FWACC emphasized a few key warning signs that indicate a scam:

• Unsolicited calls: FWACC does not typically contact pet owners to request money.
• Demand for immediate payment: FWACC does not charge pet owners over the phone, as they are not a veterinary clinic.
• Invasive details about injuries: While FWACC may update pet owners on the status of their lost animals, they do not make exaggerated claims about critical injuries to manipulate people.

Atkinson further stressed that the center’s primary goal is to reunite pets with their owners, not to solicit money. In rare cases where fees may be required (e.g., adoption fees), they are always clearly stated on the FWACC website or in person.

A Rising Concern, But Awareness Is Growing

Fortunately, reports from the community indicate that more pet owners are becoming aware of the scam. Atkinson has spoken with several individuals who recognized the fraudulent calls and did not fall victim to the scheme. Social media posts and community outreach efforts seem to be helping spread the word.

“I’m relieved to hear that so many people are catching on,” Atkinson said. “It’s a reminder to always be cautious, especially when emotions are running high.”

What You Should Do

If you receive a call that raises suspicions:

• Do not provide any personal information or payment details over the phone.
• Hang up and contact FWACC directly using the official contact information on their website.
• Report the call to local authorities and share your experience on social media to alert others.

By staying vigilant and sharing information, the community can help stop these malicious scammers in their tracks.