Officials with Little Rock Animal Services are warning Arkansas pet owners about a scam targeting people searching online for missing pets.
According to officials, scammers are contacting pet owners after they post about lost animals on social media or community pages. The callers falsely claim the pet has been found injured and is undergoing emergency surgery before demanding immediate payment for veterinary treatment.
Authorities said one caller claimed to represent the Little Rock Animal Village and requested nearly $2,800 for emergency procedures.
Tracy Roark said the scam targets people who are emotionally distressed and desperate to find their pets.
Officials said at least one person reportedly lost around $1,500 in the scheme.
The warning comes as many pet owners across North Central Arkansas regularly use Facebook community groups and local lost-and-found pet pages to search for missing animals.
Animal Services officials are urging pet owners to independently verify any claims directly with shelters or veterinary clinics before sending money or providing personal information.
Roark said legitimate shelters and animal agencies will not call demanding immediate payment over the phone.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI
