JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 The Jacksonville Humane Society is warning the public about two ways scammers are targeting animal lovers.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo know that people are taking advantage of in this moment is really heartbreaking,\u201d said Lindsay Layendecker, the Senior Director of Development for JHS.<\/p>\n
Staff were made aware of a recent scam after someone who fell victim came to them.<\/p>\n
JHS said there is a website being used to show cats and kittens available for adoption.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are asking people to put a deposit down via that website and then come here to the Jacksonville Humane Society to pick the cats or kittens up,\u201d Layendecker said. <\/p>\n
JHS said it has no connection to the site.<\/p>\n
But that is not the only way it says scammers may be targeting you. JHS said a second scam that it initially found out about earlier last year is still occurring.<\/p>\n
That one involves someone calling you to say that JHS found your lost pet and that you need to pay a bill. <\/p>\n
Action News Jax asked if JHS believes AI is being used in that one, and we were told it\u2019s not certain.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t know for sure, but I mean, they consistently trick people with this scam, so I wouldn\u2019t be surprised,\u201d Layendecker said. <\/p>\n
JHS said both of these scams are not just specific to Jacksonville and is encouraging the public to verify before sending any money.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it feels like something\u2019s wrong, it probably is,\u201d Layendecker said. \u201cYou can call us and talk to us, you can email us, you can come by in person.\u201d<\/p>\n
JHS said it does not take deposits on pets online or over the phone, and there is no fee for returning a lost pet to its owner.<\/p>\n
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