Somerville resident Stacey Ota is relieved to have her cat Luna back after a five‑day disappearance on Halloween, but she is now warning fellow pet owners about a deceptive scheme that targeted her during the search.
Scam details
Ota posted flyers and shared Luna’s photo on social media when the feline ran away. Two days later she received a text from an unknown number claiming the cat had been found and offering to meet in a public place. Before the meeting, the caller repeatedly asked whether Ota would pay a fee for the return.
When Ota suggested discussing payment in person, the supposed finder stalled for about thirty minutes before disappearing. To make the ruse seem credible, the scammer later sent an image that Ota believes was generated by artificial intelligence, depicting Luna.
Owner’s reaction
“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.
Despite the deception, Ota eventually located Luna on her own, ending the stressful ordeal.
Police advice
Massachusetts law enforcement officials say this is not the first reported pet‑recovery scam in the state. Earlier this summer, an Everett dog owner paid a Facebook‑advertised service that claimed to have found her dog, only to demand additional money.
Police recommend that anyone arranging a pet hand‑off meet at a police station and never send money online to strangers. Victims are urged to file a report with their local precinct to help authorities track and deter such fraud.
Community impact
Scams of this nature exploit the emotional vulnerability of pet owners, a concern for many families in the Greater Boston area. By sharing her experience, Ota hopes to protect other residents from falling prey to similar tactics.
Neighbors are encouraged to stay vigilant, verify identities, and use official channels when coordinating pet returns. Local animal shelters and veterinary clinics can also serve as safe meeting points for owners and finders.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
