Short answer: never pay anyone before your pet is physically back with you, never share a verification code someone texts you, and be suspicious of anyone who says they have your pet but can’t describe it, or who claims to be from a shelter and asks for money by phone. Call the shelter back on its official number to check.

When your pet is missing you post your phone number everywhere and you’re desperate for good news. Scammers know that. Here are the patterns that come up again and again.

“We have your pet and it needs surgery”

In 2023, callers in Cobb County, Georgia spoofed caller ID to look like Cobb Animal Services and told owners their lost pet was injured and needed payment up front for care. Cobb’s shelter does not take payment by phone to release a pet (Cobb County Courier). If anyone claiming to be a shelter asks for money, hang up and call the shelter’s published number yourself. Our metro Atlanta shelter directory lists them.

The verification code trick

Someone texts saying they found your pet, then says they need to “verify” you’re the owner and asks you to read back a code sent to your phone. That code is usually a login code for your Google Voice, WhatsApp or another account. Never share it.

“Send the reward first”

A caller says they have your pet but wants the reward, a deposit or “gas money” before meeting, often by gift card or a payment app. A real finder will meet you first. Pay any reward only once your pet is in your arms.

The person who can’t describe your pet

Ask a question only the real finder could answer: a marking, the collar color, a scar. Leave one detail out of your posts so you can use it. Vague answers mean walk away.

Fake “pet detective” and “pet tracking” services

Some services promise results or claim a high success rate to get you to pay. No one can honestly guarantee your pet will be found. Look for a business that tells you exactly what you’re buying, shows its prices up front, and doesn’t promise outcomes. That’s how we run Find a Paw: you pay for an alert to be created and shown to people near where your pet was lost, not for a promise.

How to protect yourself

  • Use a phone number on flyers that you’re willing to have public. A free Google Voice number works.
  • Don’t post your home address. “Near Main St and Oak Ave” is enough.
  • Leave one identifying detail out of every post.
  • Meet in public, in daylight, ideally at the shelter or a police station parking lot.
  • Never pay up front. Never share codes.
  • Verify anyone claiming to be a shelter by calling the number on the shelter’s official website.

If you’ve been targeted, report it to local police and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.