The short version: After you post that your pet is missing, a stranger may say they found it. They send a photo and ask for money before you can see the pet. The photo may be your own, edited, or made with AI (artificial intelligence). Ask for a detail only the real finder would know. Do not pay first, and do not share any code sent to your phone.
What is this scam?
A scam is a trick to get your money or your personal details. In this one, a stranger answers your missing-pet post. They say they have your dog or cat. Sometimes they say it is hurt at a vet and needs money for care.
To make it seem real, they send a photo. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) says some scammers send the exact image you posted, only edited. Police in Pennsylvania and the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) say some scammers use AI to make the photo. AI means computer tools that can make pictures that look real. Police and consumer agencies in several countries have warned about this scam.
Then comes the request for money, gift cards or cryptocurrency (digital money).
Why does it work?
You are worried, and you want good news. That is normal. Scammers know that missing-pet owners are upset, and they use that. Anyone could believe a photo of a hurt pet. If this has happened to you, it is not your fault.
Warning signs
- They send your own photo back, changed. The background may be new.
- They will not let you see the pet. They give excuses. They cannot share a photo or talk live.
- They ask for money first. They want gift cards, cryptocurrency or a payment app. The FTC says that if the only way to pay for a pet’s treatment is a gift card, a payment app, cryptocurrency or a wire transfer, you are dealing with a scammer.
- They rush you. They say the pet gets no care unless you pay now.
- They ask for a code. A verification code is a short number sent by text, email or an app to prove it is you. The FBI lists a request for this code as a warning sign. Do not share it.
What can I do?
- Keep one detail private. When you post, leave out one thing, such as a mark or the collar color. The FBI suggests asking the person to share a detail you did not include in your post.
- Ask for a detail or a live video. A real finder should be able to describe your pet or show it on a live video call.
- Do not pay first. Wait until you have seen your pet. Take your time. Talk to someone you trust.
- Check a vet or shelter yourself. Look up the clinic’s number on your own and call it. Do not use a number the stranger gave you.
- Meet in a safe place. If you meet in person, choose a safe public place, such as a police station or an animal shelter. Bring a friend or family member.
You can still post your appeal. These steps only help you check who is writing to you.
Where to report it
- US: report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov, and to your local police.
- UK: in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, report it to Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) at reportfraud.police.uk. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
If you lost money, tell your bank or card company right away.
Do this today (about 2 minutes)
- Pick one detail about your pet to keep private, such as a mark or the collar color. Keep it out of every post.
- Tell your family this rule: “No money before a live video.”
You do not need a password, a code or a card number for any of this.
Checked: 28 Oct 2026. Sources: FBI El Paso, AARP, Pennsylvania State Police (via WJAC), the FTC, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC, via ABC News), GOV.UK, and the reporting sites named above. Websites change. If a page looks different, search the organization’s help page.
Our disclosure. SafeinAI has no affiliate links and earns nothing from the sites or services named on this page. If this ever changes we will say so here, on this page.
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