Beware of Pet Scammers Targeting Charlotte Residents

Beware of Pet Scammers in Charlotte!

Hey there, Charlotte! It seems that some sneaky scammers are trying to take advantage of our love for furry friends. If you or someone you know has ever lost a pet, you’ll want to keep reading because there’s been some shady phone calls happening in our lovely city.

What’s Happening?

According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control, they’ve recently been alerted to a wave of scam phone calls targeting pet owners who are in distress over missing animals. Can you imagine the heartache? You’re worried sick about your beloved pet, and then you get a call saying they’re at the shelter but need “urgent medical attention”? It’s a nightmare! But here’s the kicker: these callers are not associated with Animal Care and Control at all!

How the Scam Works

So, how does this scam unfold? Well, the con artists pretend to represent Animal Care and Control. They claim that your pet is waiting at the shelter and needs immediate medical help. To add insult to injury, they then ask for payment over the phone. Yes, you heard it right! They request your credit card or electronic payment information to cover this so-called medical treatment. Talk about taking advantage of people in a tough situation!

A Word from the Experts

Luckily, the folks at Animal Care and Control are on top of things and want to make it clear that they would never ask for payment over the phone. That’s right! If you lose your pet, the only way to claim them is by going to the shelter in person. This is crucial information for everyone looking for their lost furry family members.

What to Do If You Get a Call

If you happen to receive one of these scam calls, the best thing you can do is hang up immediately. Don’t engage with the scammers or provide them any information. Instead, make sure to reach out to Animal Care and Control directly. You can do this by calling 311 or the direct line at 704-336-7600. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Spread the Word!

Now that you’re in the know, it’s important to pass this information along. Whether it’s talking to your friends at the dog park or sharing on social media, help raise awareness about this scam. The last thing anyone wants is to be tricked when they’re already feeling down about their lost pet.

Final Thoughts

Charlotte is a city full of animal lovers, and it’s heartbreaking to think that some individuals would prey on people’s emotions like this. Make sure you stay informed and vigilant when it comes to your pets. Hopefully, all lost pets find their way home soon, and we can put an end to these scams once and for all. So, stay safe, Charlotte, and watch out for those pesky phone calls!