A scam is said to be circulating in Scotland with individuals contacting anyone with missing pets and claiming they have been found - but they have not.
The con, described as "despicable", sees scammers pretending to be vets and advising owners that the missing animal, now found, needs immediate treatment and in order to help the animal, they need payment upfront to cover the costs.
News of the money-grabbing scheme was highlighted by the Perth and Kinross Council Trading Standards team and as a result, Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumeradvice.scot service, have issued a warning to pet owners, urging people to report them through scamwatch.scot and not to get caught out.
Colin Mathieson, spokesperson for consumeradvice.scot, said that scammers can be "very convincing in their approach" adding it is "despicable" that people are being taken advantage of, particularly at a vulnerable time.
“It’s important that you don’t share any of your personal or banking information with people contacting you out of the blue like this.
“Contact the vet that the scammer is claiming to be calling from using the official number from the vet’s website, or phone number officially listed for them online, or with directory enquiries.
“Scots consumers can report suspected scams and suspicious activity using the quick reporting tool at www.scamwatch.scot, or alternatively contact one of our specialist consumer advisers for free, impartial and practical advice.”
What should I do if I think someone is a scammer?
- Remain calm – hang up if you are at all unsure.
- Don’t share personal information – this can be used to perpetrate further scams.
- Don’t share banking or payment information.
- Contact the official party using listed numbers – check online, or with directory enquiries and contact using these details
- Report any suspicions at scamwatch.scot – you may help others and prevent them from being scammed too
