Animal owners and advocates in Metro Detroit are being warned about a new scam targeting those who have lost pets.
Several residents have reported receiving calls from scammers who impersonate Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC) staff and demand money from pet owners.
Investigators said the caller claimed to have found their lost pet.
Crystal Perkins, Director of General Services in Detroit, explained that scammers tell pet owners their animal is with them and that they must pay for emergency care via Apple Pay.
“We’ll never call and ask any resident to pay over the phone or with Apple,” said Perkins.
The agency has specific protocols for handling lost animals. Any found animal is immediately checked for microchips and registered with a photo in the agency’s system.
Perkins advises residents who receive such calls to stay vigilant. Official channels exist for collecting funds.
”What we encourage residents to do, if they get those calls, do not, do not fall victim to this scam,” Perkins said.
Iesha Swift, a Detroit resident searching for two missing pets, finds the scam disturbing.
“Stop! We have so many other things going on. This is one thing we do not need,” said Swift “This is like a child to me. So, that’s like someone calling and telling you, you have my child, and she needs surgery really quick. It makes your heart just run rampant.”
At least three dog owners who received one of the scam calls trusted their instincts and reported it to Detroit Animal Care and Control, helping to raise awareness of the fraudulent scheme.
Anyone who receives one of these calls is encouraged to report it to your local police precinct.
