You’d think finding a lost pet couldn’t get worse—until a scammer makes a grab for your wallet, too. In a recent case, a man named Brandon Woolveridge preyed on a distressed pet owner searching for her missing dog, Rufus, demanding £1,000 for the safe return of a dog he didn’t even have. Thankfully, the quick-thinking owner recorded the call, and Woolveridge is now facing jail time for his despicable scam.
If you’re not familiar with this kind of trick, here’s how it usually goes: scammers watch for social media posts from people looking for missing pets, then they reach out pretending to have the animal. They demand a ransom, but refuse to provide proof—like a current photo or a video call. They might even offer details that sound legit to gain your trust. In Woolveridge’s case, he said he’d send the dog to a vet after receiving half the payment, but the pet owner caught on and called the police.
Who are these scammers after? Mostly, they’re targeting people whose pets are missing. They know the owners are likely feeling desperate and may act quickly, making it easy for them to exploit the situation. These scams are emotionally draining and financially damaging, and it’s all too easy to fall into their trap when you’re already dealing with the stress of a missing pet.
So, what can you do to protect yourself if your pet goes missing?
- Ask for Proof: Before you send money, request specific proof like a photo with today’s date or a video call to confirm the pet’s identity.
- Don’t Share Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing too much online—limit public access to contact info and personal details.
- Check Local Rescues First: Many pets that go missing end up at local shelters, so checking these first can help rule out scammers.
- Report Suspected Scammers: If you suspect someone’s using this tactic, report it to the authorities and online scam alert forums.
Quick Tips to Stay Safe
- Pro Tip: Never rush to send money or rewards, no matter how convincing the story. Scammers rely on urgency to pressure you into action.
- Did You Know? Scammers often watch online platforms for lost pet ads—they count on emotional responses to bypass caution.
Ever encountered a scam or have tips to share on staying safe? Comment below—your story might help someone else avoid falling for a similar trick.
Stay alert, stay protected
Keywords
- Lost Pet Scam: A scheme targeting pet owners by demanding money for the return of missing pets, typically without any real proof the scammer has the animal.
- Ransom Demand: The tactic of asking for money in exchange for something of value or sentimental worth, like a missing pet, often without any intention of following through.
- Scam Awareness: Knowledge-sharing on how scams operate, so people can recognize tactics and protect themselves from fraud.
- Social Media Scams: Fraud that originates on social media platforms, where scammers search for vulnerable targets, like pet owners or people in distress.
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