In a move to protect its residents from sneaky scams, the West Valley City Government has sounded the alarm on a con artist posing as one of their Animal Services employees. This impersonator has been contacting locals, cunningly asking for impound fees for animals allegedly in distress, and in a concerning twist, they're masking their calls with technology to make it appear as if they're dialing from City Hall itself.
As reported by West Valley City Government via a social media post, it emphasizes, "West Valley City Animal Services Officers will not take money in the field. Clerks do not quote fees over the phone for impounds (ownership must be verified with ID before fees are collected)." Separating official protocol from the fraudulent acts, the notices also state, "Licensing fees are collected by phone only if owners call in or submit online for us to call them back." This scam not only preys on the concern residents have for animals but also on their trust in public services.
In a step to further educate and protect the community, the government has issued guidelines on how to handle such suspicious calls. If you receive a call claiming to be from West Valley City Animal Services and the source smells fishy, the City has urged residents to call directly at 801-965-5800 to verify the legitimacy of the interaction.
