It starts with a phone call that no pet owner ever wants to get. A voice, rushed and serious, tells you your beloved pet has been in an accident. They say they're calling from your local animal shelter or the SPCA. Your dog or cat was hit by a car. They're alive, but just barely. And the only way to save them? A quick $500 payment—right now.
Scammers are counting on panic. They’re counting on love.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this growing pet scam is using emotional manipulation to trick people into handing over money fast—before they have time to think clearly.
Moose Photos / Pexels | Scammers use emotional urgency and specific payment demands in pet scams to rush victims.
The call might sound convincing. It often comes from a spoofed number that appears local. The scammer may know your name. They’ll push urgency, saying every second matters. But the real red flag? The demand for a very specific kind of payment.
These callers won’t take standard credit or debit cards. Instead, they’ll pressure you to use payment apps, send cryptocurrency, buy gift cards, or make a wire transfer. These methods are nearly impossible to reverse, which makes them ideal for scams. Once the money is gone, so is the scammer—and sadly, there’s no injured pet on the other end.
To protect yourself, always pause and verify. Don’t act on emotion alone. If you get a call from someone saying they're with an animal shelter, don’t take their word for it—hang up and reach out to the shelter directly using the official contact information listed on their website. Even if the caller sounds urgent, it's important to double-check before acting.
If it turns out to be a scam and you’ve already given money or personal details, take immediate steps to report it and protect yourself. Report the transaction to the bank. The FTC also urges victims to file a report at www.ReportFraud.ftc.gov, where resources and next steps are clearly outlined.
Freepik | This pet scam uniquely manipulates people's emotional attachment to their beloved animals.
Pet-related scams are nothing new, but this version is hitting differently—it targets the emotional bond people have with their animals. Scammers are shifting tactics, using stories that tug at heartstrings and make people act before thinking. That emotional trigger is what makes this scam particularly dangerous.
The FTC is also asking the public to report other types of pet fraud, including fake pet adoption ads and shady online breeders. Every report helps build a better understanding of how these scams spread—and how to stop them.
If a call about your pet leaves you feeling unsure or pressured, take a step back. Quick decisions often benefit the scammer, not your furry friend.
Stay cautious, not panicked. Protect your pet—and your wallet.