‘Cruel fraud’ targeting Oxfordshire owners of lost pets

Scammers have been using information about missing pets posted online to trick heartbroken owners into paying vast sums of money for things like made up vet surgeries.

After monitoring vulnerable pet owners using social media posts, posters and online adverts for lost animals, the scammers will contact owners pretending to be veterinary staff.

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The callers will pretend the pet has been found, but say it is seriously injured and requires urgent surgery, pressuring the owner into paying a large vet bill over the phone before they can be reunited.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “We’ve been made aware of this particularly heartless scam affecting people who are advertising their missing pets.

FILE PHOTO. Police have issued a warning (Image: TVP)

“This is a cruel tactic that preys on the emotional distress and love people have for their pets.”

Police advised that people never make payments over the phone to caller who has contacted them unexpectedly, and to verify any claims made independently, for example, by contacting the vet surgery they claim to be from using a trusted phone number.

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The force also advises that people should ‘be wary’ of pressure tactics, like being rushed into making a payment, ask for proof from any caller and never share personal or financial details with unknown callers.

Any instances of fraud or a suspected scam should be reported to Action Fraud.

The police added: “Scammers are exploiting people at their most vulnerable – let’s not give them the opportunity.”