EP 24: Lost Pet Scam, Lost Trust: How Scammers Exploit Our Deepest Bonds

Behind the Scams

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A Heartbreaking Tale of Love, Loss, and Deception: Lost Pet Scams

When Chloe’s beloved family cat Percy went missing, the anxiety alone was almost unbearable. But what followed was even worse — a scam so cruel and calculated, it left emotional and financial scars. In this eye-opening episode of Behind the Scams, Nick and Sue uncover one of the most emotionally manipulative cons out there: The Lost Pet Scam.

The Emotional Manipulation at the Heart of the Lost Pet Scam

Lost pet scams are more than just financial frauds. They target people at their most vulnerable — pet owners terrified for the safety of their missing animals. Scammers lurk on social media and community boards, monitoring posts about missing pets. Once they find a grieving owner, they pounce, often posing as a vet clinic, animal shelter, or even a Good Samaritan who “found” the pet.

The urgency they create is intentional. They’ll claim the pet has been injured, needs emergency surgery, or is being held at a shelter that requires immediate payment. Their goal? Get money fast — usually through hard-to-trace methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or peer-to-peer apps.

Percy’s Story: A Perfect Storm of Vulnerability

Chloe’s mom was experiencing a medical emergency. In the chaos, Percy, the family cat, slipped out unnoticed. Days passed, flyers were posted, social media posts were shared — but no Percy. Then, a “miracle” call came in. Someone claiming to be from the Tampa Bay Humane Society said they had Percy. He’d been hit by a car and needed emergency surgery — to the tune of $2,000.

Without hesitation, they paid.

But Percy was never there. The number was fake. The story was a lie. And Percy? Still missing.

Why This Scam Hits Harder Than Most

Unlike traditional financial scams, this one deals in more than dollars. It deals in hope, love, and trust. When scammers insert themselves into the already traumatic situation of a missing pet, they rob victims not just of money — but of peace, hope, and closure.

As a former federal agent and licensed private investigator, Nick Henley has seen many scams. But he says the ones that target emotional pain, like lost pet scams, are some of the most devastating.

The Red Flags Every Pet Owner Should Know

Recognizing the signs of a scam can save you heartbreak and financial loss. Here’s what to watch for:

Unusual payment methods like gift cards, Venmo, or wire transfers
Extreme urgency, such as “pay in the next 10 minutes or your pet dies”
Impersonation of legitimate organizations — always verify independently
Refusal to provide a current photo or video of the pet
Claims that the animal cannot be visited before payment

Prevention: Protecting Pets Before They Go Missing

Being proactive is your best defense. Here are practical steps to take before tragedy strikes:

Microchip your pet and keep your contact info updated
Use GPS trackers or AirTags hidden in pet collars
Have recent, clear photos of your pet from different angles
Secure gates, fences, and doors to prevent escapes
Limit personal information on lost pet flyers or social posts

When your pet goes missing, report directly to verified shelters or humane societies using contact info from official websites — never from suspicious texts or emails.

If You’ve Been Scammed: Act Fast

Scammers rely on silence. Here’s what to do immediately if you’ve been victimized:

File a police report to help build a record for law enforcement
Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Find Where to Report a Scam at https://stampoutscams.org/links/
Contact your bank or credit card company to attempt a chargeback
Change passwords if you provided any personal info
Beware of follow-up scams offering fake “recovery services”

And most importantly, don’t blame yourself. Scammers are professionals at psychological manipulation. Anyone can fall victim — especially when it involves the love of a pet.

Turning Pain Into Prevention

Sue and Nick remind us that sharing stories like Chloe’s isn’t just about reliving trauma — it’s about helping others avoid the same fate. Talking about your experience helps others stay informed and vigilant.

As Nick says: “If even one person avoids this heartbreaking scam because of what we discussed today, then it’s totally worth it.”

Final Thoughts: Always Pause and Verify

Even in moments of panic, remember:

Never send money without confirming the source.
Trust your gut — if something feels off, it probably is.
Always verify organizations independently through official websites or numbers.

The love we have for our pets runs deep. And scammers know it. But armed with knowledge, we can outsmart them — and keep that love safe.

Listen to the Full Episode

Stream “The Lost Pet Scam” on your favorite podcast platform:

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29 episodes

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