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Fraudsters are targeting owners of missing pets with fake injury reports.<\/p>\n
County authorities are warning residents of a sophisticated scam involving individuals who impersonate animal control officers to extort money from distraught pet owners.<\/p>\n
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) issued the alert following a recent incident at the Carson\/Gardena Animal Care Center. In that case, a pet owner searching for a missing dog was contacted by a fraudster claiming to be a DACC officer. The impersonator alleged the animal was critically injured and demanded immediate payment over the phone to begin \u201clifesaving\u201d surgery.<\/p>\n
The scheme was uncovered when the owner arrived at the animal care center in person. Staff confirmed that the dog was not in their custody and verified that the department\u2019s official policy strictly prohibits soliciting payments via telephone.<\/p>\n
\u201cDACC reminds all pet owners that our staff will never ask for payment over the phone,\u201d the department stated in a public advisory.<\/p>\n
To combat these predatory tactics, officials recommend that owners of missing pets use the following verification steps:<\/p>\n
Request Microchip Data:\u00a0Legitimate officers can scan for microchips and provide the specific registration number. If a caller cannot provide this data, they are likely not an official.<\/p>\n
Visit in Person:\u00a0Confirm a pet\u2019s status at a care center during standard business hours, Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.<\/p>\n
Verify Communications:\u00a0Official notifications regarding a pet\u2019s admission to a facility will include the specific center location and are sent via phone, mail, or email.<\/p>\n