Pinellas County officials are warning residents to be cautious of scammers posing as animal control officers. These scammers are spoofing official caller IDs to appear as if they are calling from Pinellas County Animal Services.
How the Scam Works
The scammers claim that a resident’s lost pet is undergoing emergency surgery and demand immediate payment over the phone. However, Pinellas County Animal Services Director Jennifer Renner emphasizes that her department does not demand money over the phone.
When a pet is taken in by Animal Services, the staff will stabilize the animal, provide pain management if necessary, and then attempt to locate the pet’s owner. Once the owner is found, they are asked to visit the shelter to identify their pet, and all interactions are primarily in person whenever possible.
Protecting Yourself
If you receive a suspicious call regarding a lost pet, it is essential to hang up immediately and contact Pinellas County Animal Services directly through their verified phone number or report the incident to local law enforcement.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
