New Scam Involving Missing Pets Surfaces In Amarillo, Texas

We see the posts on social media and fliers all over Amarillo. Someone has lost their beloved pet and they're looking for them fervently. Some display a message of despair, others offering up a reward of some sort.

I've seen some people offer up to $1,000 for the return of their beloved pet. You just hope that one day they'll return to their home.

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However, we live in a cruel world, and thanks to social media, we have those that are preying on those in a difficult situation.

Who Is Doing What

Yes, scammers have now entered the world of lost pets if you can believe it.

There is currently a scam rolling around Amarillo that involves scammers heading to social media, finding those that have posted about missing pets, then trying to exploit them.

One thing we know about scammers is they love to prey on those who are in what we would call a desperate situation, or are older and don't necessarily think things through.

What's The Scam

So here's how it works. The scammers will find those posts and look for a phone number to contact the owner. They send the pet owner a text posing as an animal control officer.

They state in the text that they have their pet and it's currently at one of the local shelters. In order to get their pet back in their arms, they're "required" to send a "fee" via Venmo, Zelle, or other cash apps.

They say once the fee is paid, they can come and get their pet.

Is There Actually A Fee

The reason this scam works so well, aside from tugging on heartstrings of pet owners, is that there IS actually a reclaim fee charged by The City of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare Department.

However, that fee is NEVER paid via an app before coming to pick up your pet. The fee is only accepted in person at the shelter. This is how the scammers have been able to so easily get away with this one.

Be Vigilant

If you've lost your pet, your emotions will be running high. Just don't fall for the scam. NEVER send money to anyone ahead of time unless you know for a fact it's good.