Press Release: Oregon Humane Society Warns of Pet Scamming Scheme Targeting Distraught Pet Owners
OREGON, USA – The Oregon Humane Society (OHS) has issued a warning regarding a troubling new scam preying on pet owners who have lost their pets. Over the past month, fraudsters have been impersonating OHS staff, targeting individuals who are desperately searching for their missing animals.
According to OHS Public Information Officer Laura Klink, the scammers employ a tactic known as "spoofing," which allows them to make calls that appear to come from the Oregon Humane Society’s phone number. In a distressing report, one victim lost hundreds of dollars believing they were communicating with an official representative of the organization.
“They claim to have the lost pet, often stating that the animal is injured and demanding payment for its safe return,” Klink explained. Unfortunately, the promised pets are never returned, resulting in financial loss for unsuspecting owners.
While the exact methods used to harvest victim information remain under investigation, Klink speculated that data could be sourced from public postings about lost pets, ranging from flyers on lampposts to social media announcements. "There are numerous avenues where individuals can be targeted by these scams," she warned.
The OHS is conducting an ongoing investigation into the matter and emphasized the importance of community awareness. Klink noted that the extent of the scam’s reach is unknown, but each victim counts as a significant concern for the organization.
Pet owners who suspect they may have been targeted should immediately contact the Oregon Humane Society at 503-285-7722. Similar incidents have also been reported at the Humane Society in Pierce County, Tacoma, WA, raising further concern about the spread of this fraudulent activity. The OHS urges all pet owners to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to have information regarding their lost treasures.
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