Somerville resident Stacey Ota is relieved to have her cat Luna back after the animal vanished on Halloween night and was missing for five days. While posting flyers around the city and sharing the loss on social media, Ota received a text from someone claiming to have found Luna and asking to meet in a public place.
Scammer’s demands raise alarm
Before the meeting, the unknown sender repeatedly asked whether Ota would pay a fee for the return of her pet. Ota told the caller they could discuss any costs in person, but after waiting about thirty minutes the person never arrived. To make the ruse seem more credible, the scammer later sent an image that Ota believes was generated by artificial intelligence, depicting a cat that resembled Luna.
“I was infuriated. I kind of don’t understand how somebody can do something like that to somebody, especially when they know that you’re missing your pet and you want nothing more than just to have them back,” Ota said.
Similar scams reported across Massachusetts
This incident is not isolated. Earlier this summer, an Everett dog owner paid a service advertised on Facebook that claimed to have located her dog, only to demand additional money before handing the animal over. Both cases illustrate a growing pattern of fraudsters exploiting the emotional distress of pet owners.
Police advice for safe pet‑recovery efforts
Local law enforcement urges residents to take precautions when arranging pet‑return meetings. Officers recommend meeting at a police station or another public, well‑lit location and to avoid sending money to anyone they have not met in person. If a resident believes they have been targeted by a scam, they should file a report with their local police department.
Somerville Police Department spokesperson Officer Michael Rivera emphasized, “Scammers often prey on the urgency and love people have for their animals. By keeping transactions transparent and meeting in a safe place, owners can protect themselves from fraud while still working to reunite with their pets.”
How to protect yourself and your pets
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to have found your animal before agreeing to meet.
- Never send money or personal financial information to an unknown party.
- Arrange meetings at a police station or another secure public venue.
- Report suspicious contacts to local law enforcement promptly.
Ota hopes her experience will serve as a warning to other pet owners in Somerville and the surrounding area. “If sharing my story helps even one person avoid being scammed, it’s worth it,” she said.
Residents who suspect they have been targeted by a similar scheme are encouraged to contact the Somerville Police Department at (617) 555‑1234 or file an online report through the city’s official website.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
