Fraudsters are targeting pet owners who post lost pet notices on online forums and demanding payments in return for the return of their animals, according to an investigation by BBC North West. Victims have reported a series of calls in which they are told their pets have been found but recovery will require payment usually within a matter of hours. One owner from Greater Manchester told the BBC that she was demanded £2,000 and warned that if she went to the police she would never see her pet again. Police in Cumbria have received more than 200 complaints about pet ransom demands.
The fraudsters are believed to identify vulnerable pet owners from online forums where they have posted lost pet notices. Once they have identified their victim, they use any information contained in the notice to persuade the owner to part with their money. Scammers often demand large amounts in favour of smaller one in order to add legitimacy to their demands. Operators whose illegal activity has been exposed have been convicted of extortionate blackmail and theft, as well as causing emotional distress.
Police have recommended that pet owners avoid sharing personal information online, including the exact location at which their pet went missing. They have also advised owners against parting with any money until they have actually gained possession of their pet. KnowBe4’s James McQuiggan, speaking about a similar issue which saw scammers demand gift card payments in return for access to online accounts, said the method was unlikely to be entirely successful: “Even if one victim out of a million provides them with the money or information, they will continue in their efforts. Could it work? Sure, but it’s not a definite.” McQuiggan’s advice, whether for pet ransom or any other type of online scam, is to be cautious when contacted by unknown individuals and to think twice before parting with money or information.
Experts warn of an emerging potential for this type of scamming to occur against farmers, as livestock becomes increasingly valuable due to scarcity and demand. There have been reports of dogs being stolen from farms and pastoral land in recent months and experts believe ransom demands will escalate if this trend continues. The ransom demands have been identified across the UK and pet owners in Scotland, Wales and the south west of England are being advised to be alert to the threat
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