People searching for lost dogs in Broward are the focus of scammers

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – A woman in Fort Lauderdale has already lost thousands of dollars to a new scam that preys on the emotions of those looking for missing pets.

People who are in a desperate search for their lost pet are being exploited by scammers who pose as the Broward County Humane Society.

According to at least two pet owners who have shared their experiences online, they were contacted by someone who stated their pet had been located but was hurt and in dire need of treatment.

In the hopes of reuniting with her favorite cat, one woman fell for the scam and paid $2,000, only to discover that the cat had not been located.

Another Fort Lauderdale resident, Yediera Leon, reported that he got a similar call regarding his missing black American Bully, Cachita.

“I thought I was going to get my dog back, so I became excited. As long as the dog is okay, I don’t care about paying for the surgery, but they persisted in urging me to get it done, so I felt that something wasn’t right,” Leon stated. “It is wrong to play with people’s emotions in that way.”

However, Leon started questioning the caller to see if he actually had his pet, and they hung up on him after a while.

Leon remarked, “I was asking questions about the dog and I need to see my dog first to make sure it’s my dog because the guy started telling me she needed surgery within 20 minutes or she was going to pass away.”

Leon claimed that the scammers most likely discovered him because he shared information about his missing dog, including his phone number, on multiple social media platforms.

“It looked legitimate because the number they called from matched the Humane Society,” he added.

After the victims called to inquire about their pets, the Humane Society discovered what was happening and is now educating others about the fraud.

“Heartbreaking.” Cherie Wachter of the Humane Society stated, “It’s very sad that there are people out there who want to take advantage of people in a vulnerable situation.”

Pet owners should hang up if someone asks for money, they added, and they want people to be on the lookout and ask questions if someone calls claiming to have their pet.

“That ought to be the first warning sign; don’t reply if someone is requesting money for your pet. “It’s a scam,” Wachter declared.

Dog shelters in other parts of Florida have attempted similar schemes, according to Wachter. “Call the Humane Society to confirm if you’re ever unsure,” she advised.