Pet owners in Metro Detroit are being warned about a deceptive scam targeting those who have lost their pets. The scam involves individuals pretending to be Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC) staff, informing pet owners that their missing pet has been found and urgently needs medical attention. According to reports from concerned citizens, the scammers request an immediate payment via Apple Pay to cover supposed medical expenses, as detailed by ClickOnDetroit.
This scam appears to specifically target animal lovers who have turned to social media to seek help in finding their pets. In their efforts to recover their pets, owners unknowingly become targets of these scammers. The fraudsters exploit phone numbers posted online, luring pet owners into this scheme. Crystal Perkins, Director of General Services in Detroit, has issued a clear warning: "We’ll never call and ask any resident to pay over the phone or with Apple," signifying the local government's no-tolerance position on such fraudulent activities, as reported by ClickOnDetroit.
The urgency and shock that such a call can cause was highlighted by Detroit resident Iesha Swift. "Stop! We have so many other things going on. This is one thing we do not need," said Swift, whose sentiments were expressed in an interview with ClickOnDetroit. She compared her pets to children and described the panic that arises when faced with the possibility of a pet needing emergency surgery—a tactic that these scammers have exploited.
At least three dog owners reported their encounters with the scam to DACC, helping to expose the issue. The public is advised to remain cautious and use official channels when addressing pet emergencies. DACC stated on the official city website that they do not accept payments through gift cards or Apple Pay, as noted in a statement by the City of Detroit.
To address this fraudulent scheme, individuals who receive such deceptive calls should report the incident to the local police precinct. The Detroit Police Department’s non-emergency line, (313) 267-4600, can be used to report scam attempts.
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