Lost pet scams: the four you'll actually encounter
4 min read
Within hours of a public lost-pet post with a phone number, scam messages start. They follow a small number of predictable scripts.
The ransom call
A caller claims to have your pet, refuses to send a photo holding a random object you name, and demands money before a meeting. Ask for a live video call with a specific request — 'show me her left front paw'. Scammers vanish.
The transporter
'Your pet was picked up two cities away, pay the courier.' Legitimate finders, vets and councils don't ask strangers to wire transport fees. Verify with the clinic or council directly using a number you looked up yourself.
The reward advance
Someone insists the reward is paid up front. Never pay before a physical, in-person handover. Consider not advertising a cash amount at all — a reward figure attracts the scripts.
The phishing link
A text says 'confirm your details to release your pet' with a link to a fake payment or login page. Don't tap links from unknown numbers, and never enter card details to recover a pet.
Post in a way that reduces the risk
Keep your phone number off public posts, hold back one identifying feature, and take a first conversation in-app. Pet Social keeps that first contact private by default, which removes most of the attack surface.
Post a free alert on Pet Social
Free to post, free to search, and every first conversation stays private inside the app.
Reunions, sightings and tips daily on Instagram — @petsocial2026