Colorado Pet Shelter Warns Owners of Scam Going Around

One of my biggest fears is losing my dog. As a pet owner, I am diligent when checking my gate and any other area that she might be able to get out from. Try as they might, many people deal with losing their pets daily. Sometimes your pup can be super sneaky and they find a way to break free from you or your yard.

One Colorado pet shelter is warning citizens about a scam that is going around targeting owners of lost pets. According to 9 News, the Denver Animal Shelter has had a number of lost pet owners coming in looking for their lost pets due to a phone call they have received.

The phone calls the owners of lost pets receive say that their animal has been found and the pet needs surgery. These scammers are telling those who are already in a state of grief that the animal was hit by a car and needs emergency surgery and a $500 deposit needs to be paid over the phone by credit card.

Get our free mobile app

The number that is showing up on the caller ID is 311, which is Denver's main information number, making the victim think that the call is legitimate. Denver Animal Shelter says it will never ask for payment over the phone, only in person.

RELATED: THE MOST POPULAR DOG NAMES IN COLORADO

Scammers targeting lost pets in Colorado may find their victims on sites that focus on lost pets. PawBoost, 24HourPetConnect, and various Facebook groups dedicated to finding lost pets are just some of the many examples. Those who have lost a pet will post a lost poster, usually containing information about the lost animal and a phone number to contact if the lost animal is found.

The Denver Animal Shelter says that if you are contacted by someone saying they are from the animal shelter stating they have your animal and are demanding money, hang up and call the animal shelter directly to verify if your lost animal is there.