Lee County, FL – The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a new scam targeting pet owners after reports surfaced of fraudsters posing as local shelters to extort money from people searching for their missing pets.
According to the Sheriff’s Office Animal Cruelty Task Force, multiple pet owners have been contacted by scammers who claimed their lost or missing pets had been found. The callers allegedly used spoofing technology to make it appear as if they were phoning from legitimate animal shelters.
The victims were told they needed to pay a “reunion fee” of $1,500—often through an online payment app—before their pets could be returned. In some cases, scammers falsely claimed that the animal required emergency surgery, adding urgency to the request.
Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious when posting about lost pets online and to verify all information through official sources. In Lee County, residents can use the “Find My Pet Portal” hosted by the Lee County Domestic Animal Services to safely search for lost animals.
Sheriff Carmine Marceno emphasized that legitimate shelters do not demand upfront payments to return a pet.
“Please do not transfer payment to anyone claiming they have your missing pet,” the Sheriff’s Office warned.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted is encouraged to report the incident to law enforcement.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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