PITTSBURGH \u2014 Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh is warning about a scam that targets pet owners who are searching for their lost pets.<\/p>\n
HARP says it\u2019s gotten multiple reports of scammers calling pet owners, pretending to be the shelter and even impersonating its phone number.<\/p>\n
The scammers often claim the pet was injured and needed \u201cemergency surgery.\u201d They then pressure the owners into paying large amounts of money, in some cases threatening euthanasia.<\/p>\n
HARP reminds pet owners that it will never demand payment over the phone, require payment through online-only or non-standard platforms, threaten harm or euthanasia to animals or pressure pet owners to make immediate decisions.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s believed that the scammers are getting pet owners\u2019 information from third-party websites, HARP says.<\/p>\n
\u201cScammers prey on people in distress,\u201d HARP Executive Director Dan Cody said. \u201cWe want our community to know the warning signs so they can protect themselves and their pets.\u201d<\/p>\n
If your pet is missing, HARP tells you to contact the shelter directly at (412) 345-7300 and not rely on caller ID alone.<\/p>\n
Pet owners should also be cautious of suspicious calls and verify before taking action, HARP says.<\/p>\n
If you or someone you know has been targeted by this scam, HARP encourages you to report it to local law enforcement and notify the shelter.<\/p>\n
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