Escambia County officials have issued a warning regarding a recent scam aimed at individuals who have lost their pets. The Department of Animal Welfare has reported receiving multiple complaints about fraudulent text and social media messages purporting to be from Animal Welfare Staff.
Brianna Murdock, alongside her husband Hank, a producer at WEAR News, recently experienced this scam firsthand when their black lab mix, “Gypsy,” went missing. Following an evening at Brianna’s mother’s house where fireworks startled their dogs, Gypsy ran off. Despite a diligent search effort and a social media post on Pensacola Pets Lost and Found, Brianna quickly received a suspicious text claiming someone had found her dog and requesting a six-digit code.
“It was so immediate, just seconds after my post,” Brianna recounted. “I knew right away it was a scam.”
Fortunately, the Murdocks did not fall victim to the scammer’s ploy, and Gypsy returned home safely later that night on her own.
Reflecting on the incident, Brianna emphasized how easily individuals can be deceived during moments of distress. “People want to believe it’s true,” she noted. “It’s particularly deceitful to target people in such vulnerable situations.”
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has noted a significant increase in text message scams, urging the public to exercise caution when searching for lost pets or engaging in pet transactions. Will Wirth from the BBB advised individuals to verify claims with trusted sources such as veterinarians, animal welfare agencies, or neighbors before responding to unsolicited messages.
“With the proliferation of scammers, these tactics are likely to persist,” Wirth cautioned. “Awareness of common scam tactics and verifying information can help protect consumers from falling victim.”
Despite efforts to combat scams, Wirth acknowledged the challenge of staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated fraudsters. “Scammers adapt quickly,” he remarked. “As one avenue closes, they find new ways to exploit technology and prey on unsuspecting individuals.”
As scams continue to evolve, Escambia County officials and organizations like the BBB stress the importance of vigilance and informed decision-making to safeguard against deceptive practices targeting pet owners and concerned residents alike.
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