The gist
According to a SAACS news release, scammers use a caller ID spoofing technique that allows them to appear as if they are calling from the city’s animal care services.
Using a fake number to contact residents, the scammers will inform pet owners about their pet’s status or health condition, often claiming the pet has been picked up by SAACS with critical injuries.
The scammers will then demand a deposit to a cash-sharing app to begin emergency veterinary care before the pet can go home.
Residents are advised to:
- Verify the caller by asking for detailed information about your pet that only someone with the animal would know. SAACS regularly calls owners of lost and injured pets, and can provide specific details and descriptions that only a pet’s guardian would know
- Contact the shelter directly through their official website, social media platform or ask for another official number to verify the caller’s information
Additionally, any SAACS and other shelters never ask for payment upfront or deny an impounded pet emergency care. Animal services does not use cash-sharing apps for payment and does not request reclaim fees through these apps.
If a resident is targeted by this scam, they can report the incident to the San Antonio Police Department at 210-207-7273. Residents can also contact the Federal Trade Commission to report a scam by calling their Consumer Response Center at 1-877-382-4357, or online through the official FTC website at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
