Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control Warns of Phone Scam
Lexington, KY – Recently, an escalating issue surrounding a phone scam that targets local pet owners has come to light. The perpetrators of this scam impersonate members of the Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control, exploiting the concern and vulnerability of pet owners for malicious intent.
A Cruel Scam Targeting Desperate Pet Owners
Those behind the scam typically prey on pet owners who’ve recently lost their pets. These ill-intentioned callers pose as Animal Care and Control officers, telling the pet owners that their missing pet has been found but that they must send money immediately. In an even more despicable twist, they threaten that failure to send funds might end with their pet being euthanized.
Cruelty investigator Lieutenant Jai Hamilton has brought attention to this reprehensible scam and expresses deep concern for its nationwide occurrence, including Lexington. He highlights the particular cruelty in preying on distraught individuals who are desperate for signs of their missing pets.
The Official Policy
Lt. Hamilton assures Lexington residents that never will the Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control or any other legitimate organization demand immediate payment over the phone. Their policy dictates that even in instances where a lost pet has been found, the animal’s owner would be asked to meet at the vet for positive identification and to handle any necessary care.
This prevalent scam is not only a financial rip-off but a detrimental aggravator for pet owners already dealing with the trauma of their missing pets. One can only imagine the severity of the emotional damage incurred when pet owners are led to believe their pet has been found, only to realize they’ve been deceived.
Precautions for Pet Owners
In situations where pet owners receive what they suspect to be scam calls, Lt. Hamilton advises them to immediately hang up and call their local animal care and control office for confirmation. He underlines the importance of not engaging with the possible scammers and instead letting the authorities handle the situation.
While this scam seemed to have dwindled in the past couple of months in Lexington, its resurgence last week was seen with at least three distressed pet owners reporting such calls. Authorities advise anyone who falls victim to such scams to report their experience to the Lexington Police and the FBI.
