🐾 Title: Beware of Pet Scams: Protecting Pet Owners in Lane County

🐾 Title: Beware of Pet Scams: Protecting Pet Owners in Lane County

🚨 Introduction:

Pet owners in Lane County, Oregon, are once again facing a troubling threat: scammers posing as Lane County Animal Services. According to a recent media release from the County, these scammers are preying on pet owners who have shared information about lost pets online or through neighborhood posters.

🐾 The scam begins with the scammers reaching out to pet owners, often identifying themselves as “Dave” from Lane County Animal Services. Claiming to have found the lost pet, they inform the pet owner that the animal is injured and in need of emergency veterinary care. To proceed with treatment, the pet owner is instructed to provide bank account and routing numbers or make a payment via CashApp or another payment app.

🛑 It’s important to recognize that this is a scam.

🐶 Lane County Animal Services would never resort to such tactics. They do not demand banking information from residents, require payments via CashApp or other payment apps, withhold emergency medical care pending payment, or contact residents via text message without prior arrangement.

📢 “This is such a cruel way to scam people,” expressed Lane County Animal Services Manager Michael Johns. “The scammers take advantage of how much we all love our pets and create a crisis situation that puts pet owners in panic mode and makes them less likely to spot the red flags. When in doubt, hang up and call us directly at 541-682-3645.”

🚩 Here are some key details about the scam:

• 📞 The individual posing as “Dave” from Lane County Animal Services does not exist.
• 📱 The contact number used by the scammer is 310-596-2186.
• 🚨 Common warning signs of the scam include pressure to make quick decisions, high-pressure tactics, requests for personal information, and discouragement from contacting others or ending the call.

🔍 It’s important for pet owners to remain vigilant and informed about such scams. By staying aware of red flags and verifying information with trusted sources, pet owners can protect themselves and their beloved pets from falling victim to these deceptive schemes. If you suspect you have been targeted by a pet scam, don’t hesitate to report it and seek assistance from local authorities.